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  • May 17, 2008 1:21 pm US/Eastern
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Everglades Fire Fills So. Fla. With Smell Of Smoke

Approximately, 21,436 Acres Have Burned

Click Here For Florida's 'Fire Weather Forecast' In Your Area

Click Here For NOAA Satellite Views Of Florida Fires

MIAMI (CBS4) ―

The Everglades wildfire burning in Southwest Miami-Dade continued to spread Saturday, sending a smoky haze over much of the county and parts of Broward. Though the wildfire did not yet pose any threat to residential property, officials warned the heavy smoke could pose health hazards.

Strong winds had exacerbated the problem along with dry weather. The fire, which originated south of the Chekika visitor area, is burning in what's called the "Mustang Corner" section of the park, which is about 15 miles southwest of Kendall.

When the fire was first reported Wednesday, the winds blowing from the east kept the smoke away from any populated areas, but that should change over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

The winds are shifting and that means smoke from the fire, which is not contained at all, is expected to start blowing toward the east, into more populated areas. 

Officials continued to urge people to stay indoors to avoid the potential effects of the smoke, especially those with respiratory ailments.

Joanna Stiegler knows the drill.  "You kind of want to stop and go indoors," she said. "You want to get water to clear the throat because the air feels thick in your lungs."

Dr. Ian Russinoff from Broward General Medical Center told CBS4 Ted Scouten that's normal – and unless you have lung problems already, it's probably not dangerous.

"For the most part it's just going to be eyes burning, and you're going to feel like the airs a little bit dirty and you're not going to feel all that clean and the air you breathe in is not going to be all that fresh," explained Russinoff. "But that should be all it is."
The southwesterly wind is forecast to continue into early next week, so the smoky or hazy conditions could last for a few days.
The National Park Service said it believes the Mustang Corner fire burning in the Everglades National Park was probably caused by people in the area. 

Since January 1st, 2008, 1,173 wildfires have burned 32,255 acres in Florida. Most of these fires were caused by human carelessness. However, arson is also a concern. So far this year, 234 fires have been determined to be arson.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has a toll free hotline for citizens to report suspected arson or suspicious activities. The number is 1-800-342-5869.

The Mustang Corner fire also has officials concerned about two populations of the federally listed endangered species, Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow.

The Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow was among the first group of species listed as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in March 1967. Firefighters are working to ensure that the habitat of the endangered seaside sparrow is protected according to National Park Service officials.  

 

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