SOUTH MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A grass fire has sparked in South Miami-Dade, shutting down portions of U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road due to heavy smoke.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze near Card Sound Road and Southwest 392nd Street, Thursday afternoon.
7Skyforce hovered above a line of flames near Card Sound Road.
The fire, which has spread to both sides of the road, shut down Card Sound Road northbound at Alabama Jacks and the intersection of County Road 905 in Monroe County.
Video provided by MDFR shows crews conducting water drops via helicopter in an effort to contain the flames.
U.S. 1 was later shut down at Southwest 344th Street, forcing drivers heading south to the Florida Keys to either turn around or wait.
“It’s unfortunate there’s only one way in and one way out and we’re just going to have to be patient and just ride the wave I guess,” said a woman.
Some drivers who spoke with 7News decided to wait at a shopping plaza near the intersection with 344th Street.
Paul Vallaro told 7News he can’t make his deliveries in Monroe County because he can’t go any further south.
“I’m trying to get into the Keys. I deliver doughnuts for Hollywood Donut,” he said. “I have about 25 stops to make at every gas station. I can’t even get into the Keys tonight, so I have to wait for [the road] to open.”
Officials have been battling hotspots in these areas for the past two days.
When asked whether he’s encountered anything like this on his routes, Vallaro replied, “A couple of months ago they had those fires over here, but it wasn’t this bad. They didn’t close both sides of Card Sound Road, but everything’s closed tonight.”
Florida Keys resident Eddie Suarez is less stressed out about the road closures.
“They tell me anywhere from four to six hours to get in,” he said. “[I’m going to] just chill out. I live in paradise, so there’s nothing to stress [about], retired.”
The southbound lanes of US-1 into the Keys have since reopened; however, the northbound lanes remain closed. On Card Sound Road, the northbound lanes are open while southbound remains closed.
The Florida Forest Service said the flames had burned at least 350 acres as of Friday morning. The fire is currently 25% contained.
Drives should anticipate intermittent closures throughout the day. If travel is not essential, please avoid the area. If it is, expect delays and plan accordingly.
Medical experts are urging those with respiratory issues in the Florida Keys to stay inside due to poor air quality.
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