Two wildfires in the Everglades near the Broward County border remain fully uncontained, causing widespread smoke, degraded air quality, and reduced visibility across South Florida.
Current Situation Overview
Two significant wildfires, Mile Marker 39 Fire (estimated to be between 1,600 and 17,000 acres) and Sawgrass Fire (estimated at 250 acres), are currently burning in the Florida Everglades, west of Broward County. Both Fires remain 0% contained at this time.
As a result, dense smoke has spread across Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, creating unhealthy air quality and reduced roadway visibility. Impacts are felt along I-75, the Sawgrass Expressway, and coastal communities. Authorities have not reported any structural losses at this time.
Fire Location and Spread
The Fires are currently located in the Everglades, west of Fort Lauderdale, near Alligator Alley and Sawgrass Expressway. However, no information regarding their origin has been released or determined.
Current Status on Origin and Cause
As of August 20, 2025, authorities and media outlets, including the Florida Forest Service, NBC Miami, and Local 10, have not reported any confirmed or suspected ignition source for either of the fires. Experts and reporting indicate thus far that underlying environmental conditions, such as abundant dry vegetation and strong wind-driven smoke spread exacerbated by Hurricane Erin, have created a highly fire-prone landscape. Current environmental conditions remain the principal risk factor, and no specific ignition source or area of origin has been identified at this time for either fire.
Smoke, Visibility, and Air Quality
Air quality has declined to “unhealthy levels,” and authorities have issued health advisories urging sensitive individuals to limit outdoor exposure. Visibility on roadways is severely reduced, in some areas to three miles or less, which has prompted warnings from the National Weather Service. Air quality alerts will remain in effect until 9 a.m. on Thursday morning.
Containment Efforts and Threat Assessment
Firefighters are actively engaged on-site, and no structures are reported at risk at this time. Containment remains at 0%, and wind patterns, especially due to influences from Hurricane Erin, continue to funnel smoke toward populated coastal areas.
Conclusion
Subrogation opportunities may arise depending on the eventual cause determination. Cozen O’Connor’s Subrogation & Recovery team is monitoring developments closely and will provide updates as official findings emerge.
