Residents across parts of Broward County are being urged to take precautions as smoke from a brush fire burning in the Everglades continues to create unhealthy air quality conditions, local officials said.
According to Broward County officials, the Max Road Fire, located west of U.S. 27 in the Everglades, has been producing smoke that is affecting air quality in several communities. Authorities warned that shifting wind patterns could cause smoke to move into different neighborhoods throughout the day and evening with little warning.
Residents may experience smoke odors, hazy skies, reduced visibility, and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.
Officials said sensitive groups — including children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions — should limit prolonged outdoor activity and remain indoors when possible.
Residents are also being encouraged to keep windows and doors closed, run air conditioning systems on recirculation mode if available, avoid outdoor burning and strenuous outdoor activities, and monitor local weather and air quality updates.
Emergency management officials emphasized that changing wind directions could rapidly alter smoke conditions across Broward County.
Pembroke Pines Police Department said in a May 10 social media update that smoke from the Max Road Fire had been moving toward the Holly Lake area, while fire-rescue crews continued monitoring the blaze.
In a separate advisory, police warned that drivers stopping to observe the fire were causing traffic backups along U.S. 27 and Pines Boulevard. Authorities said vehicles attempting to stop along the roadway would be asked to move and urged motorists to avoid the area entirely.
According to the police department, multiple agencies — including the Florida Forest Service, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and officials from Miami-Dade and Pembroke Pines — are coordinating efforts to ensure the fire does not threaten nearby communities.
Forecasters are predicting a 40 to 70 percent chance of showers across South Florida, with thunderstorms expected from Tuesday through Thursday, conditions that could potentially assist firefighting efforts.
