A lightning-sparked smoky wildfire burning through the Florida Everglades has more than doubled in size since it started Sunday night.
The fire has consumed 32,000 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service, and is only 30% contained, but no buildings are threatened at this time.
The fire, about eight miles outside the city of Weston, started just north of Alligator Alley, a busy stretch of Interstate 75, and a few miles away from a state highway.
"Wildfires can strengthen quickly and threaten public safety — drivers traveling along Alligator Alley should remain vigilant, monitor media for safety alerts and the status of I-75, and follow guidelines from state and local officials," state Agriculture Commissioner Nicole "Nikki" Fried told WFOR-TV.
One of the biggest concerns right now is the heavy smoke in the air, and the westerly winds blowing it along roadways and into western Broward County.
The smoke is a respiratory irritant and cause scratchy throats, irritated noses and eyes and worsen asthma conditions, WFOR reported.
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People and pets living in areas where the smoke is settling should stay indoors, state officials warned.
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