As firefighters continue to fight the brush fires in southern Miami-Dade County, travelers and commuters entering and leaving Florida keys should expect intermittent delays, shift conditions and prolonged smoke that can affect visibility and safety for at least a few days.
According to the Florida Forest Service, the fire called the “167 West Fire” burns 350 acres and is currently 25% containment.
As of the latest update, Card Sound Road has resumed in both directions, but northbound traffic remains blocked at 18 miles of Strets1.
The southbound lanes of the stretch have resumed, restricting access to travelers heading for the keys. Still, authorities warn that the situation remains in fluidity.
“Residents need to monitor road closures,” said Michelle Danielson, a spokesman for the Florida Forest Service.
Danielson recommended that drivers check traffic cameras in Florida to check for possible road closures. She said intermittent road closures could occur due to sudden changes in firefighting and fire behavior.
When it comes to the possibility that the flames could be fully controlled, Danielson said there is no solid timeline yet.
“They (fire fighters) work as aggressively and safely as possible,” Danielson said.
Danielson has 20 firefighters on the ground using heavy machinery, along with two helicopters that continue to do water droplets.
Residents and drivers in the area are also being urged to take extra precautions. Smoke can reduce road visibility, with firefighters working nearby. Those who don’t need to be in this area are advised to stay away from the road.
In mid-March, a 26,000-acre brush fire urged the Florida Forest Service, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Monroe County Firefighters to fight the flames for more than a week.
Will the rain help? perhaps
The dry conditions are likely to last until the first part of Saturday, with winds coming from the south-southeast, according to the National Weather Service Meteorologist Chuck Caracozza.
This wind pattern drives smoke out of the populated metro area and instead pushes northwest towards the Everglades
Caracozza explained that potential rain and storms could arrive Sunday afternoon and next week while remaining dry near the fire zone for most Saturday and Sunday.
But the advantage would depend heavily on where the rain actually falls, Karacozza said.
