In Florida, large-scale wildfires have engulfed more than 48,000 hectares
The Florida Forest Service has reported that the state is likely to face above-average fire danger in July and August, according to NBC Miami.
The peak of the wildfire season in Florida usually falls between April and June, but experts estimate that this year’s active phase will last longer.
Since the start of the year, nearly 2,000 wildfires have been recorded in the state. The fires have engulfed over 48,000 hectares of land.
According to the Florida Forest Service, the area of burnt land already exceeds the size of the entire city of Orlando.
A major fire broke out near residential areas
On Sunday, firefighters continued to battle a large-scale fire that had spread across Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that they had received a call about a fire near North Krome Avenue and Northwest 186th Street.
More than 12 units were dispatched to the scene. Aircraft were also deployed to drop water on the fire hotspots.
In Broward, the fire was tackled by Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue alongside the Florida Forest Service.
Footage from the scene shows the flames spreading through dry scrubland, with thick smoke blanketing the area west of U.S. 27.
The flames quickly approached residential buildings near Max’s Fish Camp and Airboat Rides.
Local resident Roxanna Hill said she was at home with her boyfriend and one-year-old child when she heard about the fire.
“We were sitting on the sofa when his father rang and said there was a fire. We went outside and there was smoke everywhere, less than ten minutes from the house,” she said.
According to her, the situation was made worse by the fact that there was only one road in the area for evacuation.
“It was impossible to leave. The fire had blocked the only road, and the only option left was the airlift,” said Roxanna.
She added that residents of the area had started hosing down their homes themselves even before the fire brigade arrived.
“I had to hose down my house, and my neighbours were hosing down their caravans before the firefighters arrived,” she said.
Rescue workers urged people to avoid the danger zone
The fire threatened several residential buildings, but local residents reported that no one was injured.
There is currently no information on any injuries.
Smoke and flames also reached the Holly Lake area in Pembroke Pines. Police reported that fire crews remain on the perimeter of the area and are monitoring the situation.
In Miami-Dade, the fire has been 30% contained, whilst in Broward, the containment level currently stands at 0%.
Rescue workers have urged residents to avoid the danger zone whilst firefighting operations continue.
