BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A smoky haze blanketed parts of Broward County on Thursday as winds carried smoke from a wildfire burning near Lake Okeechobee into South Florida, prompting concern among residents and visitors.
“It was really, really smoky. It seemed like foggy,” one resident said.
The fire, which started burning in Belle Glade in Palm Beach County, led to hazy conditions stretching from Fort Lauderdale to Coral Springs. Some residents reported smelling smoke, prompting calls to local fire departments.
Authorities said the 10-acre wildfire in Palm Beach County does not pose a direct threat to residents, but shifting winds have carried smoke into areas including Coral Springs and Parkland, prompting officials to urge caution for those with respiratory conditions.
Noon report:
“We received about a dozen 911 calls from all over the city,” said Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue’s Frank Guzman. “People were reporting that there was a strong smell of smoke and they thought that something was burning. We quickly determined something was burning but not in our city.”
“We are aware of smoke lingering in Coral Springs and Parkland today,” Coral Springs Fire Rescue wrote on Facebook. “If you have known respiratory issues, we encourage you to reduce your time spent outside.”
Local 10 meteorologist Brandon Orr said dry air and gusty northwest winds, reaching up to 25 mph, are helping transport the smoke into the area.
With humidity levels dropping to around 30-35%, conditions are favorable for brush fires, especially as much of the region remains in a moderate to severe drought.
“The smoke is mostly off the ground, so you may not smell it right now,” Orr said. “But as temperatures drop tonight, some of that smoke could settle closer to the surface.”
Temperatures are expected to fall into the mid-50s along the coast overnight, with some inland areas dropping into the upper 40s. The cooler air, however, will be short-lived, as Orr says record heat is possible later in the week.
Fire officials also warned that the combination of low humidity and gusty winds has increased fire risk across the region.
“That makes it very dangerous if a fire were to start,” said Guzman.
As winds continue to push smoke southward, officials advise residents with respiratory issues to take precautions. There is no official health advisory, but they said people with sensitivities should limit outdoor exposure when smoke is present.
For the hour-by-hour forecast and a live radar, visit this page.