A growing brush fire has now forced the closure of both major routes into the Florida Keys—Card Sound Road and the 18-Mile Stretch—according to Monroe County and Miami-Dade authorities.
Officials are warning of ongoing traffic disruptions as firefighting efforts continue.
Major roadways closed in both directions
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday that state and Miami-Dade officials have shut down the 18-Mile Stretch and Card Sound Road in both directions due to fire activity and hazardous conditions.
“Expect continued disruptions in and out of the Florida Keys as the weather/fire mitigation efforts continue to impact traffic,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Earlier updates from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office reported that the southbound lanes on Card Sound Road at U.S. 1 and northbound lanes at Alabama Jack’s were already closed.Crews continue firefighting efforts
Firefighting efforts continue
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is assisting the Florida Forest Service in containing the grass fire.
The agency said at least 30 acres had burned.
Officials are asking the public to stay away from the affected area while emergency crews work to bring the fire under control.
