Introduction to the Wildfire in SW Miami-Dade
As a wildfire in Southwest Miami-Dade continued to burn on Saturday, officials said they’ve made progress in containing the flames.
Officially called the 344 Fire, the blaze began on March 13 and has swelled to over 26,000 acres in size.
Having burned for more than a week, officials said that the fire is now 65% contained, the The Florida Forest Service said.
U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road are open for now, but that could change depending on the weather and conditions.
Current Status of the Fire
“We still have helicopters that are doing water drops and we still have airplanes that are monitoring the area,” Chief Andy Alvarez with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said. “The winds have died down which gives us a good opportunity to finish mopping up the fire.”
The Florida Department of Transportation is updating billboards in real time on U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road so drivers going in and out of the Keys can know what’s going on.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said they’re starting to wind down their operations.
Ongoing Operations
“What we’re doing now is called mop up which is basically putting out spot fires in areas that still have active fires,” Alvarez said.
Over at Homestead Miami Speedway, NASCAR Cup Series events have not slowed down and neither have the fans.
“I was wondering if they were going to have the race because I knew the fires were in Key Largo and I was scared they were going to call it off but they’re still having it,” Sara Jones.
Conclusion
The wildfire in SW Miami-Dade, although still burning, has seen significant progress in containment. With the fire now 65% contained, officials are cautiously optimistic about the situation. However, the public is advised to remain vigilant and follow updates from local authorities regarding road closures and other safety measures.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current status of the wildfire in SW Miami-Dade?
A: The wildfire, known as the 344 Fire, is currently 65% contained. - Q: Are U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road open?
A: Yes, they are open for now, but the status could change based on weather and fire conditions. - Q: Are there still firefighting operations ongoing?
A: Yes, helicopters and airplanes are still actively engaged in water drops and monitoring the area. - Q: How are local events affected by the wildfire?
A: Events like the NASCAR Cup Series at Homestead Miami Speedway are proceeding as scheduled, despite initial concerns about the fire.
