Wildfire In The Florida Everglades Explodes In Size, Over 42,000 Acres Burned

The Florida Everglades are currently experiencing a massive wildfire.

At the time of this writing, over 42,000 acres have already been burned, resulting in heavy smoke hovering over the city of Miami and the region surrounding the Everglades.

Currently, the fire is at a 10% containment.

NBC Miami reported more on the fire’s path and destruction:

Firefighters are facing major challenges as they work to contain a massive wildfire burning deep in the Everglades. The blaze, known as the Mile Marker 39 Fire, has now scorched at least 42,000 acres — double the area reported just a day earlier.

Officials said only about 10% of the fire is contained. The remote location, along with wetlands that make access difficult, has slowed efforts to put out the flames. In some areas, crews are relying on helicopters to scoop water from nearby canals and drop it on hotspots.

“Our wild land firefighters from the FFS [Florida Forest Service] using heavy equipment, engines, specialized equipment working on the ground in areas that are accessible, the wetlands have been a hinderance in terms of fire suppression activity,” said Michelle Danielson of the Florida Forest Service.

Drivers along Alligator Alley reported seeing both heavy smoke and bright orange flames as early as Thursday morning.