Rain in Broward helps crews fight Max Road Fire in the Everglades as it is currently 80% contained
The plumes of smoke once seen for miles in Broward County are no longer visible, but the land left scorched behind is. The rain has helped the air quality, with the unhealthy air quality alert lifted in the area.
"The fire got right on the fish camp and then slowed down to a smolder for a while," said Marshall Jones, owner of Mack's Fish Camp.
Jones, the owner of Mack's Fish Camp off of Krome Avenue, said the fire came within 40 feet of his business, forcing him to close since Sunday.
Jones said it was the fast response from firefighters that saved it.
"Within a few minutes, they had 7,000 gallons a minute between the seven trucks just spraying all in the air through the monitors, and it was like being under a waterfall," Jones said.
In two days, this wildfire scorched more than 11,400 acres of land. The fire left behind miles of burnt shrubbery. First responders are hoping tonight's rain will help with containment.
"Within a few minutes, they had 7,000 gallons a minute between the seven trucks just spraying all in the air through the monitors, and it was like being under a waterfall," Jones said.
MacEwen said getting access to parts of the Everglades can be challenging because the land can get too soft to use their equipment.
"This is a big wetland out here and our specialized equipment for this area — even with that — will sink out here," MacEwen said.
Jones said the wildfire spread to the power poles on Mack's Fish Camp's property, knocking out electricity.
He said 13 FPL trucks responded, and power was restored around 6 p.m.
Broward County officials are continuing to keep an eye on the wildfire conditions and will provide additional updates as needed.
Max Road Fire continues raging in Florida Everglades
The Max Road Fire, which broke out over the weekend west of US-27 and Krome Avenue in western Broward County, has burned more than 11,400 acres and was 89% contained as of Tuesday afternoon.
CBS News Miami spoke with officials with the Florida Forest Service who said they are monitoring weather conditions on Tuesday.
The CBS News Miami NEXT Weather team is monitoring conditions as well, and said there is a risk that areas of South Florida could see strong to severe thunderstorms this afternoon. And heavy rain could lead to some flash flooding.
Rain would clearly help crews continue to get the upper hand on wildfires burning in the area, but lightning from thunderstorms would not help at all.
"My concerns are that it's still dry, even if we get a little bit of rain," Kevin Macewen, of the Florida Forest Service said. "It's still so dry out here. Anything can light. You park on the side of the road and leave the engine running – that could spark a fire."
The fire continued to burn away from homes and businesses along the edge of the Everglades in western Broward County.
Witnesses describe the emergency response to the fire
Captain Neal Stark, who runs the nonprofit Fishing with America's Finest and keeps boats at Everglades Holiday Park, said the emergency response has been extensive.
"There were helicopters dropping water. There were fire trucks with the booms shooting water, there were guys on the ground, they were cutting trenches," Stark said.
Florida Forest Service Senior Forester Michelle Danielson said aerial crews from the Broward Sheriff's Office and the National Guard assisted with water drops to help suppress the fire and protect nearby communities.
Officials said much of the dry vegetation fueling the blaze had already burned, allowing crews to make significant progress on containment efforts.
172nd Avenue Fire burning in south Miami-Dade
The 172nd Avenue Fire in south Miami-Dade, has also been making an impact on South Florida.
The 172nd Avenue Fire has so far burned about 300 acres and was 50% contained.
The fire has forced to shut down Card Sound Road for several hours on both Monday and Tuesday due to the fire and smoky conditions in the area, forcing drivers to take US-1 as an alternate to and from the Florida Keys.
This Florida fire map provides live updates on the fires burning in South Florida.