BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — A massive brush fire continues to burn and grow in the Florida Everglades in west Broward County for a second straight day on Tuesday.
The Florida Forest Service said the Sawgrass Fire has charred 32,000 acres and is 30 percent contained. It's burning about five miles west of U.S. 27 and one mile north of Interstate 75.
Earlier on Tuesday, you may have seen or smelled smoke in parts of Palm Beach County. But the winds have shifted and are now pushing smoke away from our viewing area.
Still, the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County issued a warning Tuesday about the wildfire health risks, setting the Air Quality Index for West Palm Beach to "moderate."
"Wildfire smoke can be a respiratory irritant, which can cause scratchy throat, coughing, headaches or irritated eyes and nose. Smoke can also worsen asthma, and other chronic lung or heart condition," the health department said in a statement. "Dust generated from increased wildfire response activity on dirt roads may also worsen these conditions. The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County will continue to monitor the situation to keep the public informed."
WPTV Chopper 5 captured very smoky and hazy conditions across our area on Tuesday morning.
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It's not just the fire causing those smoky and hazy conditions in Palm Beach County. WPTV meteorologists Glenn Glazer and Kahtia Hall said dry Saharan dust from Africa is also playing a role.
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Dr. Jason Sevald with Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center said children, the elderly, and those with allergies or breathing conditions should avoid going outside for long periods of time.
"People who have respiratory illnesses at baseline or chronic respiratory illnesses are certainly the most at risk," said Sevald.
Because of our extreme heat, Sevald said it's more important than ever to stay hydrated and use caution when going outside.
"It is so hot out there. So, if you're getting dehydrated, maybe overheated, if you're breathing fast, you're breathing in more of the particles," he said. “Do the best you can but equally important, if you do get exposed and start having symptoms, then seek treatment.”
The Sawgrass Fire, which was sparked by a lightning strike on Sunday night, is being monitored by the Florida 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 on Monday.
No structures are threatened at this time, but officials said the smoke may impact nearby roadways, though no roads have been closed.
"Motorists and residents in the area should exercise caution by slowing down, turning on their headlights, and watching for emergency vehicles," said Florida Forest Service Director Jim Karels in a statement.
Jun 25 908PM: Smoke may be visible from a wildfire across Broward and Palm Beach this morning. Here are some tips when there is wildfire smoke impacting your area. #FLwx pic.twitter.com/3RcA2w31ck
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) June 25, 2019
WPTV and our news partner NBC 6 contributed to this report.
