SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Firefighters have been tackling a brushfire in Southwest Miami-Dade for three days.
Local, state and federal firefighters have been hard at work as the flames continue to spread near Krome Avenue, Tuesday.
“What we are suggesting is if you have respiratory issues to try to avoid the area,” Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson Erika Benitez said. “If you’re at home or at your vehicle traveling, please keep your windows closed and your AC recirculating inside your vehicle or your home.”
Krome Avenue between Southwest Eighth and 88th streets was shut down for days, but it reopened late Tuesday night. Officials reopened the roads because they said it was clear and safe for drivers, but they have posted some signs to warn drivers to be cautious.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers said they will continue to monitor Krome Avenue every hour, and if conditions worsen, they will shut down the road again.
7SkyForce hovered over the scene where heavy smoke billowed across the brush. There is a chance it may rain, and firefighters are hoping this will help to further contain the blaze.
“We are currently seeing winds coming from the east going west, and unfortunately, this has helped the fire jump the road to go further west,” Benitez said.
“Right now, the wind and this flammable fuel, until we get some rain, it’s just going to keep running,” one firefighter said.
The fuel to this fire is known as melaleuca, a very flammable and invasive tree, which is making it difficult to put out the flames. Crews have used helicopters to drop buckets full of water on top of the blaze to contain it.
Krome Avenue’s closure impacted some truckers who depend on the road being open.
“My truck is in front of the fire,” a man said. “Maybe do more or in the afternoon, I don’t know.”
The smoke and ash woke up some residents in nearby neighborhoods.
“It was kind of hard for me to breathe. I felt, like, a burning in my throat,” said Jenny Perez, who lives nearby.
Around 600 acres have burned since Sunday night. As of 10 p.m., Tuesday, the fire is 50% contained.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.