New wildfires have broken out across the US state of Florida, including a large blaze threatening neighborhoods near Miami, as extreme drought continues across large parts of the state. Video shared by ABC News shows a massive fire burning near Miami, Florida. Thick flames and thick smoke turned the sky orange, creating a dramatic and dangerous scene.
The Max Road Fire was the largest wildfire in South Florida Monday morning. The fire has burned about 4,800 acres and is only 20% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service. The flames are burning mainly in the Everglades, but have moved dangerously close to residential areas about 20 miles northwest of Miami.
“Several agencies — including the Florida Forest Service, Pembroke Pines, BSO and Miami-Dade — are working together to ensure the fire does not pose a danger to local communities,” the Pembroke Pines Police Department said in a post on X.
No evacuation order has yet been issued. However, residents living nearby were advised to monitor the situation closely and remain prepared in case authorities asked them to leave.
“Fire-Rescue has deployed along the perimeter of the Holly Lake community to monitor the fire in case it approaches Pembroke Pines,” the department added.
Another fire, known as the 172 Ave Fire, also broke out further south near Homestead. Officials said the fire had burned about 210 acres and was 30% contained as of Monday morning.
Smoke from both fires can spread to nearby villages, which reduces air quality even in places that are not directly threatened by the flames.
Extreme drought fuels wildfires
Officials say worsening drought conditions are the main reason for the growing fire threat. Data from the US Drought Monitor shows that nearly 82% of Florida is currently facing extreme drought, including the Everglades region where the Max Road fire started.
This year has been unusually dry for Florida, with experts calling it the state’s worst drought in nearly 15 years. Most of the area is in “extreme” drought conditions, while parts of the Panhandle are facing “exceptional” drought, according to the National Weather Service.
The dry weather has already led to a sharp increase in forest fires. Since January 1, nearly 2,000 wildfires have been reported in Florida, destroying more than 86,000 acres of land. In a current year, the state registers a total of around 2,400 fires.
The fires have also spread to neighboring Georgia, which is experiencing a similar drought. Combined, fires in the two states have burned more than 120,000 acres this year — an area reportedly four times the size of Disney World.
