Wildfires burn across South Florida Everglades, prompting closures and firefighting efforts

Wildfires continued to burn through parts of the Florida Everglades on Sunday, with the Florida Forest Service (FFS) responding to blazes in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Collier counties.

The largest of these fires, known as the 22 Fire, is burning in northern Miami-Dade County near Everglades National Park. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire had charred approximately 880 acres and was 40% contained, according to the FFS's Everglades field unit.

Due to the wildfire activity, the National Park Service temporarily closed Shark Valley. Two wildfires in the area, called the Chipmunk and Vulture fires, produced smoke that was visible from Main Park Road and U.S. Highway 41.

Meanwhile, in southwestern Palm Beach County, FFS crews responded to a wildfire in a wildlife management area that had burned 350 acres before reaching 85% containment.

In Collier County, a smaller fire near the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge burned seven acres and was 95% contained as of Sunday, with the FFS's Caloosahatchee field unit on the scene.

Officials urge the public to stay informed about changing conditions and closures. For more details, visit the Florida Forest Service's wildfire information page.