Watery, Stinging Eyes? Difficult To Breathe? It’s Likely The Fires In The Everglades.
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2022 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Two major fires continue to burn just west of Boca Raton, but reported containment is slowly increasing.
The Florida Forest Services tells BocaNewsNow.com at 1:15 p.m. Saturday that the 2Alpha Fire, West of Boca Raton and just south of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, is 7000 acres and now 40 percent contained. The L39 fire, however, has grown to 11,500 acres and is just 35 percent contained.
While the fires, in the Everglades, pose no current threat to homes or roads, smoke and ash remain an issue over much of South Palm Beach County. Small, white particles are noticeable on dark cars. The stinging in your eyes is a result of the smoke and ash in the air.
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the air quality index in Boca Raton is 63 which is “moderate.” Parts of Delray Beach are rated at 49 which is considered ”good.” Regardless of the official rating, people with allergies and other breathing issues are encouraged to stay inside whenever possible.
Fires in the Everglades are routine during spring and summer months, often sparked by lightning. While watched closes, fires are often permitted to burn as part of forestry management programs.
