Smoky Brush Fire Burns In Western Miami-Dade
DORAL (CBS4) - Drivers on the Florida Turnpike in the Doral area were probably a bit surprised to see a large plume of thick gray smoke out to the west.
A large fire ignited in the tinder dry brush and melaleucas Sunday afternoon several miles east of Krome Avenue and south of Okeechobee Road. The fire may force the closure of Krome Avenue, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Florida Division of Forestry spokesman Scott Peterich said 300 acres are burning.
The fire is also west of the county's Metro West Detention Center which houses more than three thousand inmates of maximum, medium and minimum security levels. This facility is the largest in the Miami-Dade County Corrections system.
"The forest is on fire," said Alex Gonzalez who was riding an ATV in the area.
Gonzalez, who has ridden the trails in the affected area for years, said he tried to guide a fire truck in but it was a 'no go' – instead a bulldozer was brought in.
"The problem is that once it cross the pine tree lines and then it hits Krome and on the other side of Krome is really, really dry," said Gonzalez.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and state forestry workers have attacked the fire on two opposing fronts. Getting to the flames was a bit of a challenge since the area is on accessible by dirt roads.
State forestry officials said they have three bombardier units performing water drops and a spotter plane keeping an eye on its progress from above.
No word on what sparked the fire.
