Thousands Of Acres Torched In SW Dade Brush Fire
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Thousands of acres have been torched by a swift moving brush fire in southwest Miami-Dade.
The fire, which was sparked late Sunday near SW 162nd Avenue and 42nd Street, has spread to near SW 8th Street. Due to the flames and dense smoke, Tamiami Trail was closed from Krome Avenue to SW 152nd Street.
According to the Florida Forest Service, the fire has now consumed over 2,000 acres but 60 percent has been contained.
A total of 25 children at Lincoln Marti daycare will be evacuated to the school's other location, according to MDFR.
"It was going up as high as the clouds," said Michael Bigelow who was watching the fire.
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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.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue had to evacuate one business. The owner of The Pit BBQ said the firefighters protected his business. No injuries were reported.
Sunday's southeasterly winds kept the smoke from spreading to the more populated regions.
Crews attacked the flames by air and ground. Monday morning Miami-Dade Fire Rescue had the fire under control and Tamiami Trail was re-opened.
"Our biggest enemy at this point is the dry conditions and high winds. If high winds kick up again then there is a good chance that this fire will flare up again," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Arnold Piedrahita.
Residents with respiratory problems near the fire were advised to stay indoors and avoid inhaling smoke.