By Thais Lopez Vogel
Wildfires are nothing new in Florida. In ecosystems such as the Everglades, they are even part of a natural process that helps renew vegetation and maintain ecological balance.
What is changing, however, is their intensity, size, and duration.
The fires burning in western Miami-Dade and the Everglades since mid-June, along with a fire that broke out later in Broward, have brought the total number of affected acres to more than 27,000 at the time of this writing. The smoke has prompted air quality alerts in South Florida, while the state is facing a long-lasting extreme heat wave.
In one case, the fire was sparked by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. But the real issue is not only how wildfires begin; it is the conditions that now allow them to spread more rapidly.
As global temperatures continue to rise, vegetation dries out more quickly, soil moisture evaporates faster, and droughts last longer. Combined with strong winds and lower water levels in wetlands, these conditions make fires harder to contain and allow them to grow larger and burn longer.
The consequences extend far beyond natural ecosystems. Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs, worsening respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. When combined with extreme heat, it also increases the risk of hospitalization, dehydration, and heat-related illness, particularly for children, older adults, and people who work outdoors.
Not every wildfire can be prevented, but many can. Reducing human-caused ignition sources, clearing dry vegetation around homes and critical infrastructure, and restoring wetlands so they can retain water more effectively are all science-backed measures that strengthen the resilience of our ecosystems.
Science is equally clear on another point: rising temperatures are creating the conditions for these events to become increasingly severe. This does not mean wildfires did not occur in the past. It means that when they do occur, they now encounter an environment far more conducive to rapid spread and greater destruction.
Prevention, preparedness, and the protection of our natural ecosystems remain the most effective tools for reducing risk. Every wetland restored, every ignition source eliminated, and every community better prepared is an investment in a safer future.
Listening to science and acting decisively today is the best way to protect our communities, safeguard public health, and preserve the natural heritage that defines our state.
