West Dade Fire 85% Contained
DORAL (CBS4) - Firefighters are getting a handle on a stubborn brush fire in western Miami-Dade which has been burning for a week.
State forestry officials said Sunday the fire, which has forced the closure of a stretch of Krome Avenue from the Tamiami Trail to Okeechobee Road, has scorched more than 68-thousand acres. The good news is that forestry and Miami-Dade fire crews have been able to contain about 85 percent of it. Officials are counting on a canal running along the north side of the Tamiami Trail to help keep the fire contained and from crossing the road.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said after the last two days of the progress, they're cautiously optimistic.
"Luckily the rain has been doing a very good job for us. We had quite a bit of rain yesterday and we just had a couple of very strong showers come though," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesman Jose Herrera on Sunday afternoon. "As long as we don't get lightning associated with it, those that set off new fires, we're doing very well."
A change in wind direction sent the smell smoke over northern Miami-Dade and south Broward counties on Sunday morning.
Forestry spokesman Scott Peterich said while the fire appears to be devastating, in reality it "is very healthy for the Everglades."
"The Everglades were made to burn, and this area hasn't had a good burn in 25 years," Peterich said.
Peterich said when the rains do eventually come, "the area will come back more healthy and vibrant than ever."
