What to Know
- The large brush fire started Sunday night in the Florida Everglades in west Broward County
A large brush fire continued burning and increased in size in the Florida Everglades in west Broward County for a second straight day Tuesday and led to the brief closure of a major roadway.
About 33,500 acres were burning about five miles west of U.S. 27 and 1.2 miles north of Interstate 75, Florida Forest Service officials said. The fire was 40% contained as of Tuesday as it continued to grow about eight miles west of the City of Weston.
Smoke from the fire led to the closure of Alligator Alley westbound from US-27 in Broward County and eastbound from State Road 29 in Collier County, Florida Highway Patrol officials said.
But the closure was short-lived, as rain in the area improved visibility and allowed troopers to re-open the roadway, FHP officials said.
The fire started Sunday night and is being monitored by the forest service, which said northeast winds may put ash and smoke into southwestern Broward County.
"Residents with breathing complications should take appropriate measures," officials tweeted Monday.
Local
Officials said the fire started with a lightning strike.
No structures were threatened but officials said the smoke may impact nearby roadways.
"Motorists and residents in the area should exercise caution by slowing down, turning on their headlights, and watching for emergency vehicles," forest service director Jim Karels said in a statement.
