Crews are attempting to extinguish a raging wildfire that has scorched nearly 5,000 acres in Florida’s Everglades in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

The fire is dangerously close to U.S. Highway 27.

Watch below:

FOX Weather shared further:

The Max Road Miramar Fire is straddling the line between Miami-Dade and Broward counties. At least 4,800 acres have been burned, and the fire is 20% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

The fire was first reported Sunday. The Pembroke Pines Police Department said that drivers stopping to watch the fires along US-27 were causing dangerous traffic backups.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said they were working with state forest officials to protect nearby properties.

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Florida Senator Rick Scott urged people on social media to adhere to any local road closures.

Aerial footage showed flames in the vicinity of a local subdivision, and smoke could be seen billowing for miles.

This comes in the middle of Florida’s wildfire season, which is being compounded by a historic drought ongoing across the state.

“Miami-Dade Fire Rescue continues assisting @FlForestService (FFS) under a unified command structure with the 172 Fire in Southeast Miami-Dade. According to FFS, the fire has affected 300 acres and is 50% contained. Air Rescue has been supporting firefighting efforts from above, conducting water drops, while crews remain on the ground to protect nearby communities and mitigate potential exposures. At this time, there are no threats to nearby structures,” Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said on Monday.

“As weather conditions change throughout the rest of the day, nearby areas may experience smoky conditions due to shifting winds and expected rain, which may cause smoke to lower closer to the ground and impact visibility. Drivers should use caution, remain alert for changing road conditions, and be prepared for possible road closures. Traffic and road updates are available at http://FL511.com. #MDFR reminds our community to take precautions if smoke impacts your area. Those with respiratory conditions, older adults, and children may be especially sensitive to smoke exposure. Stay indoors when possible and set home and vehicle A/C systems to recirculate,” it continued.

“I spoke this morning with local authorities about the brush fire in the Everglades and surrounding counties. Everyone in South Florida, please stay safe and follow all road closures and emergency guidance. Our firefighters are working tirelessly, and conditions appear to be improving. Thank God for their heroism. Please join Anne and me in praying for them and those in surrounding areas,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) said.

NBC 6 South Florida has more:

The smoke and flames also drifted towards a Pembroke Pines community, and, according to police, fire crews are stationed along the perimeter of the Holly Lake community, where they will be monitoring conditions.

Crews are urging residents to avoid the area as they continue to work on putting the fire out.

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Winds are pushing smoke north-northwest, so areas south and southeast of the blaze should see improvements in the air quality.

Humidity is high and winds are generally light, which help in the firefight. Much-needed rain could arrive in the form of a few showers and storms as early as Monday. Those rain chances tick up on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The National Weather Service urges caution for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, as exposure to air pollutants can cause headaches, difficulty breathing, irritate eyes and sinuses, and more.

 

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