SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A wildfire burning in the Florida Everglades has scorched more than 9,000 acres and is now 75 percent contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.
Crews in helicopters scooped up water and dumped it on the blaze burning off U.S. 27 in the Everglades. All-terrain vehicles, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue’s Aviation Unit and the Florida National Guard responded to the fire.
The Florida Forest Service believes the wildfire started on U.S. 27 Tuesday. Crews and strong winds pushed it back and west, but persistent dry conditions are making the fight difficult.
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“We have made some progress,” a crew member said. “The fire looks much better. There’s not as much burning at the moment. But we’re going to continue to have winds all day.”
The Everglades has been bone dry after prolonged cold snaps over the winter and low rainfall totals.
“It’s probably the worst drought we’ve had in probably 15 years,” a crew member said. “And, you know, we’ve probably got another six to eight weeks of this.”
Officials warned residents to be careful.
“Whether you’re cooking on a barbecue grill or driving and parking on the side of the road and idling for a while, that will definitely start a fire,” a crew member said.
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