88 Fires Burning Across Florida Causing Smoky Conditions

Many Florida residents are experiencing smoky conditions because of a large fire in the Everglades and other fires throughout the state.

The Florida Division of Forestry says there are 88 active fires across the state that have burned almost 44,000 acres.

A dense smoke advisory was issued May 19 for Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Glades and Hendry counties. Residents with breathing problems or allergies should stay indoors.

In the Everglades National Park, almost 36,000 acres have burned. The blaze is 30 percent contained, and no structures are in danger. The main concern is stopping the smoke from reaching Krome Avenue and Tamiami Trail.

In the area around Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Highway Patrol used electronic highway signs to warn people about lingering smoke, and areas northeast of the lake were continuing to experience haze from the fires, said Division of Forestry spokeswoman Melissa Yunas.

State Division of Forestry spokesman Todd Schroeder says in Brevard County, six fires that have burned about 12,500 acres are 75 percent contained.