WEST BROWARD, FLA. (WSVN) - A grass fire broke out in the Everglades and has already affected thousands of acres in West Broward as crews race to put it out.
The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon.
Large, smoky clouds could be seen off of U.S. 27, around Mile Marker 44, near the county line between Broward and Palm Beach counties.
When crews arrived, the fire had already spread across 100 acres, but it quickly spread into a wildfire that burned 5,000 acres.
Officials have said that the fire has been 25% contained as of early Wednesday morning, adding they are at the mercy of the weather.
“Fortunately, we have east winds, and it’s pushing the fire away from [U.S.] 27, all the smoke away from town,” said Kevin MacEwen, the Florida Forest Service’s Everglades District Manager.
7Skyforce captured flames zigzagging the Everglades and heavy smoke.
Experts said that no one in the area of the blaze needs to worry.
“There’s nothing really threatened out here; it’s actually good for the Everglades to burn, but we know that the smoke impacts, we don’t want it to affect the road or people’s health,” said MacEwen.
Air rescue teams from the Florida Forest Service and a helicopter from the Florida National Guard dropped buckets if water over the area to help fight the fire.
On the ground, crews from the Florida Forest Service used different equipment to fight the flames.
While the cause of the fire is not known, officials said there could be multiple possible causes.
“I would imagine it was something from a car, somebody threw a cigarette, a backfire, ’cause it obviously started off [U.S. 27] somehow, so we’re not really sure,” said MacEwen.
Fire officials ask drivers to remain vigilant and aware of what is happening around them.
“Everyone be careful in this area, driving around [U.S. 27] and anywhere right now. We still have probably six to eight weeks of really dry weather; the thunderstorms haven’t rolled in yet,” said MacEwen.
Authorities said the fire has not crossed into Palm Beach County and has only burned in Broward County.
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