WEST BROWARD, FLA. (WSVN) - A storm appears to have partially assisted in extinguishing a wildfire after Florida Forest Service said over 30,000 acres of land burned in the Everglades near Interstate 75.
The brush fire erupted in the Florida Everglades north of Alligator Alley near Weston, just after 6:30 p.m. Sunday and has continued its fiery streak days later.
7News cameras showed part of the fire was seemingly out following a thunderstorm with strong winds and rain around 6 p.m., Tuesday.
“This area is about 165,000 acres total. It’s surrounded by canals,” Florida Forest Service spokesperson Scott Peterich said, “and we’re wanting to keep it in this area.”
Thanks to that one afternoon thunderstorm, the #SawgrassFire is almost entirely out. pic.twitter.com/Uc2DefZu2F
— Frank Guzman (@fguzmanon7) June 25, 2019
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire had burned an estimated 33,000 acres of land and was about 65% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.
7Skyforce HD flew over the scene where thick, heavy gray smoke could be seen billowing out into the sky.
“We were cruising across the state to have some fun, and we saw the fire on the way,” said a witness at the scene, “had to check it out, never had a chance to see this place.”
Officials said the flames started after lightning struck the area.
“It looked actually very hot,” a man said. “I mean, it was very red and very dark. It was burning hot. It was incredibly bad.”
People with respiratory issues are advised to stay away from the scene of the wildfire.
UPDATE – Alligator Alley I75 is back open as of 5:24pm. Rain in the area has improved visibility, troopers will remain in the area to monitor conditions overnight. Plz drive cautiously @FHPPalmBeach
— FHP Southwest Florida (@FHPSWFL) June 25, 2019
However, the spreading fire did not stop Kevin Owens from finding a new fishing spot.
“But I didn’t feel a danger. I was out here meditating, doing what I do,” he said. “Bass and brails and shell crackers and just getting ready to go drop them in the grease.”
Owens said the fire is part of life in the Everglades.
“You know, that’s the nature,” he said. “That’s how God takes care of those things.”
Florida Highway Patrol temporarily closed the westbound lanes of Alligator Alley from U.S. Route 27 in Broward County to State Road 29 in Collier County, just after 5 p.m., due to poor visibility.
The roadway was reopened at 5:24 p.m. after FHP said rain in the area helped improve visibility. Troopers will remain in the area overnight to monitor conditions.
Forest officials said a Tuesday afternoon rain storm put out the southern portion of the blaze. They said what was left of the fire is moving to the north and crews will focus on keeping the fire away from nearby structures and highways.
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