Southern Miami-Dade brush fire will likely burn for several days, FHP says
More than 3,000 acres have burned in a massive brush fire in southern Miami-Dade that's caused traffic delays and partially blocked vehicle access to the Florida Keys this week.
Card Sound Road remained closed on Wednesday due to the fire. U.S. 1's 18-Mile Stretch, which was closed for much of the day Tuesday, reopened late to traffic. Lengthy delays in both directions of the highway are occurring as fire crews intermittently block traffic for fire mitigation/air water drops.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office said drivers should expect "disruptions in and out of the Florida Keys as the weather/fire mitigation efforts continue to impact traffic."
According to the Florida Forest Service, as of Tuesday evening the fire had scorched 3,600 acres and it was only 20% contained.
There is no rain in the forecast for this week to help with containment as high pressure remains in control providing a very dry, stable atmosphere. The Florida Highway Patrol said Wednesday morning that the fire is expected to burn for several days.
Firefighting efforts in southern Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said more than 15 units, including two water tender trucks and air rescue were working to contain the fire, with air rescue conducting water drops.
The Florida Forest Service also has about 15 people on the ground. Kevin MacEwen, with the Florida Forest Service, said their number one job is containment.
"Trying to contain it with roads, existing barriers, like power lines and natural barrier," he said.
While no injuries have been reported, the fire has damaged power lines and communication towers.
Smoke from the fire moved over parts of southern Miami-Dade and the upper Florida Keys on Wednesday morning and early afternoon, pushed by winds from the north. Later in the day, the wind direction shifted to the east, blowing the smoke to the west.
Those driving in southern Miami-Dade and upper Keys should keep their vehicle's windows rolled up and have the air conditioning set on recirculate, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, to help keep the air inside as clean as possible.
