Brush fire expected to last for days; access to Keys limited
Access to the Florida Keys has been severely limited as firefighters work to contain a massive brush fire in southern Miami-Dade that's caused traffic delays and partially blocked vehicle access this week.
On Thursday afternoon, U.S. 1's 18-Mile Stretch reopened after being closed for most of the morning in both directions due to ongoing fire mitigation.
Card Sound Road also remains closed.
Jeff Bowden described the whole situation as "a mess."
"I was out on the, I buy palm trees, and we were out on the farms over by the fires. One of the farms actually had a fire break out there," he said.
The fire has burned more than 22,000 acres and is only 22% contained, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said Thursday afternoon.
A fire weather warning went into effect Thursday morning at 11 a.m. and it will last through 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Winds are expected to pick up ahead of an approaching front, creating conditions for rapid fire spread. Officials said the lack of rain in the forecast and persistent dry conditions could further fuel the wildfire.
While there remains no threat to commercial or residential areas, NEXT Weather Chief Meteorologist Ivan Cabrera said shifting winds could push smoke into different areas of South Florida, creating hazardous air conditions.
Residents impacted by the smoke are urged to limit their time outdoors and keep the windows, and doors, of their homes closed.
Drivers in the affected regions are advised to keep vehicle windows rolled up and use air conditioning in recirculation mode to limit exposure to smoke, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said.
Firefighters work around the clock
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews, alongside state and local agencies, are attacking the fire from both the ground and the air, using helicopters to drop water on the blaze.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office cautioned drivers to expect ongoing travel disruptions. Drivers traveling to or from the Keys are advised to check for updates before hitting the road.
Angel Velazquez, who lives in Key West, said he was stunned when he saw a fire burning along U.S.1
"It was a shocker to me, it's not something that you expect at all," he said.
The fire is expected to burn for several days, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
