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Park Workers Torch Everglades

HOMESTEAD (CBSMiami) – Residents of Homestead and other areas of southwest Miami-Dade may notice smoke rising from the fires in Everglades National Park.

There's no cause for concern.

Park management conducted a prescribed burn west of Homestead General Airport on Thursday morning.

Strategic fires were set to approximately 1,100 acres to burn off accumulated saw-grass and debris. This will help reduce, and is some case prevent, the severity of lightning strike or human caused fires in the future.

With the wind coming out of the north-northeast, some communities along the eastern park boundary might experience light smoke throughout the day.

On Friday, another prescribed burn of approximately six acres near the park's headquarters located behind the Edward R Coe Visitor Center.

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