If your spring break plans include a road trip to the Florida Keys, keep a close eye on active wildfires.
A 14,000-acre wildfire in South Florida closed an 18-mile stretch of U.S. 1 Wednesday, March 19. It’s currently 20 percent contained.
Road closures and smoke remain potential problems as firefighters with Miami-Dade County and the Florida Forest Service continue to bring it under control.
A red flag warning for critical fire conditions is in effect for all of South Florida.
According to the Florida Forest Service, the wildfire in south Miami-Dade County has burned 14,000 acres.
As of 11 p.m. March 19, it was 20 percent contained.
The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon on the mainland side of Card Sound Road, according to The Associated Press.
“Although the fire is not near any commercial or residential areas, we urge our community to stay informed about any possible road closures and stay safe,” Miami-Dade Fire Rescue posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The Florida Forest Service, along with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, are using trucks as well as water drops to keep the fire under control.
There are two roads leading to the Florida Keys: U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road.
An 18-mile stretch of U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road were both closed Wednesday. U.S. 1 opened late Wednesday. The U.S. 1 closure caused lengthy delays, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
More closures and delays along the 18-mile stretch can be expected today, according to the Florida Keys sheriff in a post on X.
Card Sound Road, both north and southbound lanes, remained closed as of 8 a.m. Thursday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
People with respiratory conditions were encouraged to stay away from smokey areas, close windows and keep a/c on recirculating mode.
Red flag warnings were issued for South Florida Thursday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The warning extends from Palm Beach County south to the tip of Florida and as far west as the cities of Palmdale and Clewiston.
The National Weather Service Miami warned winds will be out of the southwest at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Relative humidity will be as low as 30 percent, with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s.
“With most of South Florida already under drought conditions, this will lead to critical fire weather concerns Thursday afternoon. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is NOT recommended,” the National Weather Service Miami posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A red flag warning is issued when “critical fire weather conditions” are in place.
“A red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger,” the National Weather Service said. 

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