As firefighters continue battling a brush fire in southern Miami-Dade County, travelers and commuters going in or out of the Florida Keys should expect intermittent delays, shifting conditions and lingering smoke that could affect visibility and safety for at least the next few days.
The fire, dubbed the “167 West Fire” has scorched 350 acres and is currently at 25% containment, according to the Florida Forest Service.
As of the latest update, Card Sound Road has reopened in both directions, though northbound traffic remains blocked on an 18-mile stretch of U.S. 1.
Southbound lanes on the stretch have reopened, providing limited access for travelers heading toward the Keys. Still, officials warn that the situation remains fluid.
“Residents should be monitoring road closures,” Michelle Danielson, spokesperson for the Florida Forest Service said.
Danielson recommended that drivers check Florida traffic cameras for possible road closures. She said that intermittent road closures could happen due to firefighting activity or sudden changes in fire behavior.
As for when the blaze might be brought fully under control, Danielson said there’s no firm timeline yet.
“They [firefighters] are working as aggressively and safely as possible,” Danielson said.
There are 20 firefighters on the ground using heavy equipment, along with two helicopters that continue to conduct water drops, Danielson added.
Residents and drivers in the area are also being urged to take extra precautions. Smoke may reduce visibility on roadways, and fire crews are working nearby. Those who don’t need to be in the area are encouraged to stay off the roads.
In mid-March, a 26,000-acre brush fire prompted the Florida Forest Service, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Monroe County Fire Rescue to spend over a week fighting the blaze, which led to full road closures in the Florida Keys and filled the air with smoke.
According to National Weather Service meteorologist Chuck Caracozza, dry conditions are likely to continue through the first part of Saturday, with winds coming from the south-southeast.
This wind pattern will direct smoke away from densely populated metro areas and instead push it northwest toward the Everglades
Caracozza explained that while Saturday and most of Sunday will remain dry near the fire zone, increasing chances of rain and storms could arrive by Sunday afternoon and into next week — potentially aiding firefighting efforts.
The benefit, however, will depend heavily on where the rain actually falls, said Caracozza.
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