Massive Everglades Wildfire Burns in Florida

Florida Forest Service crews are actively battling a large wildfire in the Everglades, using heavy equipment and aerial resources to contain the flames.

As of Friday, the fire has burned approximately 45,000 acres and is 30% contained. Helicopters have been dropping water throughout the day, and crews are working around the clock to slow its spread.

Fire Overview

The wildfire began earlier this week as two separate brush fires—the Mile Marker 39 Fire and the Sawgrass Fire—which merged on Wednesday morning. The combined blaze has now burned an area nearly twice the size of Disney World in Orlando.

The fire is primarily fueled by sawgrass and is located in western Broward County, north of Alligator Alley and west of U.S. Highway 27. So far, no structures have been threatened, but the fire remains a concern due to its size and the difficult terrain.