Brush Fire Blazing Through SW Miami-Dade
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A brush fire is blazing through Southwest Miami-Dade, stretching nearly 300 acres according to the Florida Forest Service.
"It was going up as high as the clouds," said Michael Bigelow who was watching the fire.
"It's taken over this whole area," added Steve Gagne.
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Neighbors watched as the clouds of smoke grew larger and larger, worried about their homes and their health.
"Being an asthmatic the first thing you think is uh oh respiratory problems," said Priscilla Martin.
Silvia Orosino said, "I just pray that it doesn't get any bigger."
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service have been fighting the fire with bulldozers tankers and helicopters.
They had to evacuate one business. The owner of The Pit BBQ said the firefighters protected his business. No injuries were reported.
Authorities also closed down Southwest 8th Street from Krome Avenue up to 152nd Avenue due to the rapid spread of the fire.
"Fire travels very very rapidly. You can't outrun it especially with the fine fuels when you get into grassy situations and wind that fire can move many many miles an hour," explained Scott Peterich with Florida Forest Service.
He said the fire is fueled by grass and Melaleuca trees which burn very quickly.
Residents with respiratory problems near the fire are advised to stay indoors and avoid inhaling smoke.
CBS4's meteorologist John Gerard says the southeasterly winds have kept the smoke from spreading to the more populated regions.