Massive Everglades Wildfire Burns 19,200 Acres, Air Quality Improves Slightly

A massive wildfire in the Florida Everglades, known as the Mile Marker 39 Fire, continues to scorch thousands of acres, filling South Florida’s skies with smoke and triggering air quality alerts.

As of Thursday, the fire had already burned more than 19,200 acres across the 3A North Conservation Area of the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. The blaze combined earlier this week with the smaller Sawgrass Fire, intensifying smoke across Broward County.

Although no homes or structures are threatened, the Florida Forest Service reports the fire is still 0% contained. The blaze is burning just west of U.S. Highway 27 and north of Alligator Alley, with flames visible to travelers along the interstate.

Air quality conditions, which dropped to “unhealthy” levels Wednesday, have slightly improved. The Environmental Protection Agency currently lists Broward County’s air as “moderate.” However, health officials warn that sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory issues—should limit outdoor activity.

Forecasters say shifting winds and a chance of rain may help improve conditions over the coming days. But drought-stricken vegetation in South Florida continues to fuel the fire.

The National Weather Service cautions that smoke impacts will likely linger as long as the fire burns.