WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A grass fire that broke out in the Florida Everglades in West Miami-Dade has led to a fire fight that has entered its fourth day and continues to prove challenging for crews due to lingering dry conditions.
While firefighters with the National Park Service and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue have been battling the fire since Monday afternoon, officials say it only continues to grow, now burning more than 8,600 acres.
7Skyforce hovered above the scene where smoke could be seen towering over the skyline above West Miami-Dade.
Officials said the “Highway 41 Fire” erupted just south of the Tamiami Trail, Monday afternoon.
Thursday morning, first responders were seen staging at Everglades Safari Park, as they prepared for yet another day of battling this blaze.
What began as about 450 acres being torched has now spread across thousands of acres of land, wreaking havoc for wildlife and locals.
“Brush fires can spread quickly, specially in the right conditions like those we are seeing today,” said MDFR spokesperson Erika Benitez.
Bert, who works for Tigertail Airboat Tours, said something as simple as a shift of wind in the direction of residents and major roadways could dramatically alter people’s ability to navigate the area.
“If the wind changes, you know, that could close down this whole road, which, you know, there’s two major arteries that go across the Glades, so that’s a few hours to get back around,” said Bert.
Meteorologists forecast that the winds will be veering out of the south and southwest on Thursday, potentially increasing smoky conditions in more heaviily populated areas east of the blaze.
Bert added that the fire poses a danger to more than just the nearest businesses and residents.
“Either way, if you’re in Florida, South Florida, you’re getting your drinking water from under the Everglades. So no matter what, this place is important to everybody,” said Bert. “There’s only one of these in the world, there’s only one place that works this way. So many of us call it home, so many animals, way more animals call it home.”
Crews tackled the fire from the ground and the sky, battling the flames from every angle. On Wednesday, they focused their efforts on aviation, since the location of the fire is difficult to access.
7News cameras captured some crews dousing flames with several gallons of water.
With crews working nonstop, officials say the brush fire is now 20% contained as of Thursday morning.
While there’s currently no immediate threat to homes, authorities advise residents to avoid any of the areas impacted by the fire.
“We also ask that you try to stay away from the area of the fire, because conditions can change quickly, leading to possible road delays and even road closures,” said MDFR spokesperson Erika Benitez.
Benitez added that even for residents far from the fire, a simple change of direction in the wind could cause harmful breathing conditions outdoors.
“Even if the fire is not immediately near your home, smoke can travel for miles, impacting air quality,” said Benitez.
Officials said there’s been no injuries reported or threat to nearby structures.
Authorities said they expect the fire fight to continue over the next several days, primarily through aerial operations. They said crews have made considerable progress between Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
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