MAX ROAD (06)

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The MAX ROAD (06) Fire (also referred to as the Max Road Miramar Fire) ignited on the afternoon of Sunday, May 10, 2026. The fire originated near Mack's Fish Camp at 18599 Krome Avenue in western Broward County, west of U.S. Route 27 (U.S. 27) and Pines Boulevard.
Size and Containment: As of May 13, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 11,443 acres and is currently estimated to be between 60% and 70% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by dry brush and vegetation in the Florida Everglades. Driven by gusty winds, low relative humidity, and ongoing drought conditions, the blaze expanded rapidly across conservation land bordering the metro area.
Containment Efforts: A robust, multi-agency response is underway, involving the Florida Forest Service, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, and the Pembroke Pines Police and Fire-Rescue departments. Firefighters have been building containment lines and utilizing water-dropping helicopters to halt the fire's spread. Crews have established a defensive presence near threatened neighborhoods to monitor the situation.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the MAX ROAD (06) Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: While there are no formal warnings, residents in nearby communities—particularly the Holly Lake community near Pines Boulevard and U.S. 27—are being closely monitored. Emergency personnel are positioned in the area, and residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepare belongings in case wind conditions change and force an evacuation.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No evacuation shelters are currently open due to the lack of mandatory orders.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• U.S. Route 27: Portions of U.S. 27 have faced intermittent closures. Drivers are urged to avoid the area or use extreme caution due to heavy smoke significantly reducing visibility and ongoing firefighting activity.
• Everglades Holiday Park: The park, known for its airboat tours, has been closed due to the approaching flames.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service - Current Wildfires
• Broward County Emergency Management
• Florida 511 (Traffic and Road Closures)

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the MAX ROAD (06) Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structural damage or destroyed buildings have been widely reported at this time. However, homes in the Holly Lake community remain threatened, prompting several residents to preemptively hose down their yards and trailers to protect their property.
School and Business Closures: No major school closures have been reported. Local businesses, such as Everglades Holiday Park, and travel along the U.S. 27 corridor have experienced disruptions.
Notable Impacts: The fire created an eerie orange glow in the night sky over western Broward County. Thick smoke drifted eastward into populated areas overnight and into the morning, bringing hazy skies, reduced visibility, and the strong smell of smoke to communities including Pembroke Pines, Weston, Miramar, and Southwest Ranches.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No significant power outages have been reported in connection to this fire.
Water Safety: There are no current water safety advisories, but residents should monitor local alerts.
Burn Bans: Officials are strongly urging residents to avoid all outdoor burning due to the elevated wildfire danger across the state.
Air Quality: The fire is producing thick plumes of smoke that are significantly reducing air quality across South Florida. Health officials advise residents—especially those with respiratory illnesses or sensitivities—to remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and set air conditioning units to recirculate indoor air.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With containment reaching up to 70%, firefighters continue to monitor changing wind conditions and reinforce containment lines. Crews anticipate making further progress throughout the week, provided the winds remain favorable.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Firefighters may soon receive help from the weather. The National Weather Service in Miami has forecasted a 60% to 70% chance of precipitation throughout the area, with the potential for strong thunderstorms developing directly over the fire zone, which could greatly assist in extinguishing the remaining flames.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the MAX ROAD (06) Fire remains under investigation by state officials.
Weather and Climate: Extreme climate factors are playing a major role in the fire's intensity. Florida is currently in its late dry season, which typically peaks in April, May, and June. South Florida has been experiencing Moderate to Extreme Drought conditions, which has turned the Everglades' vegetation into highly flammable kindling. These ongoing drought conditions, combined with low relative humidity and gusty winds, have elevated the wildfire danger and accelerated the fire's rapid spread.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
• Pembroke Pines Police Department Updates