MIAMI – Many residents were experiencing smoky conditions Monday because of a large fire in the Everglades and other fires throughout Florida.
The Florida Division of Forestry said there are 88 active fires across the state that have burned almost 44,000 acres.
A dense smoke advisory was issued Monday morning for Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Glades and Hendry counties. Residents with breathing problems or allergies were advised to stay indoors.
In the Everglades National Park, almost 36,000 acres have burned. The blaze is 30 percent contained, and no structures are in danger. The Division of Forestry reported that the area is the only known habitat for the endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow. The main concern is stopping the smoke from reaching Krome Avenue and Tamiami Trail.
Click here for photos.
State Division of Forestry spokesman Todd Schroeder said that in Brevard County, six fires that have burned about 12,500 acres are 75 percent contained.
The majority of fires that were still burning were in Glades County around Lake Okeechobee and on the coast in Brevard County.
Meanwhile, in the area around Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Highway Patrol was using electronic higway signs to warn people about lingering smoke, and areas along Florida's Treasure Coast were continuing to experience haze from the fires, said Division of Forestry spokeswoman Melissa Yunas.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox