Firefighting efforts continue across Florida and in Miami-Dade County, where a massive brush fire has burned over 3,000 acres this week.
Card Sound Road remains closed 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.” The Florida Highway Patrol said Wednesday morning that the fire is expected to burn for several days.
Updating map of Florida wildfires
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 for wildfire growth and development.
As of Tuesday evening, the fire had scorched 3,600 acres and it was only 20% contained, according to data provided by the Florida Forest Service.
For the 2025 season, there have been a total of 45 wildfires that have sparked across Florida that have burned 3,972 acres. Out of the 45 fires, the blaze in southern Miami-Dade and 15 other fires remain active.
Firefighting efforts continue
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said more than 15 units, including two water tender trucks and air rescue are working to contain the fire, with air rescue conducting water drops.
The Florida Forest Service also has about 15 people on the ground.
Smoke from the fire moved over parts of extreme southern Miami-Dade and the upper 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 extreme 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.
