Mile Marker 39 Fire


The Mile Marker 39 Fire was a wildfire burning near the Miami metropolitan area, the fire began on August 18, 2025. As of August 26, the fire had burned an estimated and was fully contained.

Background

Rising temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s °F, paired with gusty winds, contributed to the fire's growth across Southern Florida. Low relative humidity and a series of red flag warnings prompted by high heat and drying vegetation further worsened conditions.
Persistent rainfall deficits across northern Florida compounded the threat. According to the Florida Forest Service's seasonal outlook, precipitation totals since the start of summer 2025 were well below average, leaving both live and dead fuel moisture at critically low levels. This extended drying period accelerated flammability, while sea breezes failed to bring sufficient coastal moisture inland to moderate conditions.

Progression

A strong lightning storm struck Everglades National Park near Alligator Alley’s mile marker 39 on August 18, 2025, igniting the wildfire later dubbed the Mile Marker 39 Fire. The blaze spread rapidly across dry sawgrass fuels, expanding from an estimated 1,600 acres early on August 20 to more than 19,200 acres by that evening, driven by persistent wind patterns and scarce moisture.
Northwest winds from Hurricane Erin blew smoke from the wildfire across Southern Florida, particularly affecting air quality in Broward County.
Florida Forest Service crews have responded with intense aerial and ground suppression efforts. Helicopters conducted water drops, and heavy equipment was deployed to battle the blaze, which reached over 42,000 acres by August 21 with just 10 percent containment reported.
By August 22, the burned area had expanded to around 45,000 acres, and containment had improved modestly to 30%, as crews struggled with the difficult Everglades terrain and continuing windy, dry conditions.
As of Sunday afternoon, August 24, the fire had consumed an estimated 45,000 acres and was 85 percent contained.
By August 25, containment had further increased to 95 percent, while the total area burned remained steady around 48,000 acres.
Complicating suppression, the fuel load of tall sawgrass and lack of wetting rainfall made direct attack difficult. The fire's location in the Everglades limited road access and ground crew response, prompting some officials to consider letting the controlled burn-out burn through remaining fuel zones.
On August 26, 2025, the Florida Forest Service reported that the fire as fully contained.

Effects

The fire prompted visibility warnings across major south Florida roadways, particularly in Broward County, as dense smoke and haze from the Everglades drifted inland. Drivers were advised to use caution during their commute due to poor visibility.
No widespread evacuations were issued; however, regional air quality alerts were issued across Broward County as smoke blanketed the skies, prompting public health advisories for sensitive populations to limit outdoor exposure.