Large wildfire in western Broward County sends smoke toward Pembroke Pines neighborhood, authorities say

Fire crews in South Florida are working to contain and extinguish two wildfires that broke out in Broward and Miami-Dade over the weekend, and the blazes could impact air quality and visibility across the region on Monday.

The larger of the two fires was located in western Broward County and is being called the Max Road Fire.

As of Monday morning, the Max Road Fire, which is located west of U.S. 27 and Pines Boulevard, has so far burned about 5,000 acres and was only about 20% contained.

An eerie, orange glow illuminated the night sky across the area overnight as fire crews continued to get the fire under control.

Members of the Pembroke Pines Police Department and Fire-Rescue were positioned along the perimeter of the Holly Lake community to keep an eye on conditions in case the flames started to move closer to the area.

“ATTENTION RESIDENTS: There is a large Everglades fire which is sending smoke towards the Holly Lake area (US-27 & Pines Boulevard),” police said in a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon.

No evacuations have been ordered as of Monday morning, but residents were being urged to monitor conditions.

The Pembroke Pines Police Department was also asking drivers to avoid the area due to traffic concerns.

“People stopping to look at the Everglades fire are causing traffic backups along US-27 and Pines Boulevard,” police said in a Facebook post. “PPPD is requesting that drivers please stay out of the area; cars attempting to stop along the roadway will be directed to move.”

Police said that multiple agencies were working in conjunction to ensure that the fire is not a hazard to local communities.

“Our department remains on standby alongside our partners with Pembroke Pines Fire-Rescue,” police said.

172nd Avenue Fire burning in south Miami-Dade

Another fire, which is being called the 172nd Fire in south Miami-Dade, is also impacting potions of South Florida on Monday morning.

The 172nd Avenue Fire has so far burned about 210 acres and was 30% contained.

The fire is burning near Florida City and forced officials to close Card Sound Road for a period of time. The road has since been reopened, but drivers are being urged to use caution as heavy smoke was still being reported in the area.