West Broward fire burns thousands of acres, sends smoke toward communities
South Florida fire agencies are working to contain a western Broward County brush fire that’s charred thousands of acres, according to local authorities.
Dubbed the “Max Road Fire,” flames burning west of U.S. 27 first sparked around N. Krome Avenue and NW 186th Street on Sunday, May 10, around 12:30 p.m., per a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue statement that afternoon.
MDFR responded to the blaze with 12 units and helicopter water drops, with the Florida Forest Service, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue and Pembroke Pines Fire Department joining shortly after.
The Max Road Fire had burned 5,600 acres in the Everglades and was approximately 30% contained as of Monday morning, the Florida Forest Service’s live fire map showed.
Residents of Pembroke Pines’ Holly Lake community — located in the city’s far west region, near 21740 NW Seventh St. — were warned of “visible smoke and a strong odor outdoors” by city police and fire agencies.
“Our crews are on scene actively monitoring conditions and remain prepared to take any necessary actions to protect residents and property,” PPFD shared in a May 10 Instagram post. “At this time, there is no immediate threat to the community.”
Alongside a video of the fire’s flames and large plumes of smoke, Pembroke Pines police also warned drivers stopping along U.S. 27 and Pines Boulevard to gawk at the fire to clear the area and prevent traffic backup.
No injuries or evacuation efforts have been reported as of May 11.
“The Florida Forest Service continues containment operations on the fire,” PPFD shared. “Residents can expect a heavy presence of helicopters and emergency personnel in the area and should not be alarmed.”
Somerset Academy Chapel Trail’s elementary and middle school campuses — which sit less than 2.5 miles east of Holly Lake — remain open and continue all school operations and testing schedules as planned, the charter school announced in a May 10 Instagram post.
For more information on the Max Road Fire, visit PPFD and PPPD on Instagram as well as the FFS live fire map.
This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 11:20 AM with the headline "West Broward fire burns thousands of acres, sends smoke toward communities."
