BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Buses of tourists are getting more than they bargained for as firefighters work to contain a fast-moving brush fire that broke out Wednesday in west Broward and continued to burn into Thursday.
Authorities said the fire had burned nearly 500 acres and was about 65% contained by Thursday afternoon.
The blaze continues to send thick smoke billowing over the Everglades and prompted road closures as firefighters worked to contain the flames near U.S. 27 and Griffin Road.
Sky 10 captured aerial footage of the growing fire, showing scorched patches of land and smoke stretching across the wetlands.
11 p.m. report:
Florida Forest Service crews and local fire departments remained at the scene Thursday, focusing their efforts on the fire line and using aircraft to drop water on hotspots.
Airboats and tour buses were operating in the area when the flames erupted. Tourists on guided rides watched as smoke clouded the sky and fire crews worked nearby.
“We bring people here to see some alligator and as you can see a little strange situation happen, a little white fire,” said Everglades tour guide Antone Koci. “We are thinking it’s not gonna spread, but as you can see we’ve been here for the last two hours and it’s been coming — a little bit worry right now.”
They said no homes or businesses were threatened, but a set of high-tension power lines was in the vicinity. Crews from Florida Power & Light were also seen monitoring the area.
Law enforcement temporarily shut down a portion of U.S. 27 on Wednesday as the fire approached the edge of the roadway.
Officials say wind continues to push the flames westward, away from residential areas.
“Thank God this wind is blowing this way and this way over here and my house is over that way over here so hopefully everything stays the same,” Zamora said.
Others came to see the fire up close — including tourists and South Florida residents bringing out-of-town guests.
“I monitor you guys because I saw your chopper,” said Hollywood resident Byal Benson. “I’m sure they know what they’re doing, but it looks scary. I came from Highway 27 and it looks pretty big, pretty widespread.”
Officials say crews will remain on the scene overnight to strengthen containment lines and prevent flare-ups.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
