A wildlife not far from the 18-Mile Stretch and Card Sound Road in Miami-Dade County continues to cause traffic delays between the Florida Keys and Florida City.
What began as a small 6-acre fire around 2:30 p.m. on Thursday spread to nearly 400 acres by Friday afternoon. Florida Forest Service and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews are continuing to confront the flames from the ground and air.
As of Friday just before 2 p.m., the southbound lane of Card Sound was shutdown due to a flare up. Card Sound Road northbound remains open to motorists, as well as the 18-Mile-Stretch southbound. The Stretch going north remains shut down.
Travelers could see road closures during certain periods of time today as crews battle the blaze. Fire crews could block traffic for air water drops and other firefighting measures.
“We kindly ask that motorists refrain from traveling to Monroe County unless absolutely necessary,” says Florida Highway Patrol Miami.
The Florida Forest Service last update states the wildfire was 25% contained.
Upper Keys schools remained open Friday. However, school district officials say there will be no bus transportation available for students returning home today. Parents and guardians are asked to make arrangements to pick up their children. Pickups can be done early if needed, according to the school district.
This is the second wildfire witnessed near Card Sound Road and 18-Mile Stretch this year. On March 12, a blaze spiraled out of control and burned nearly 26,000 acres by March 21. The area has experienced extremely dry conditions with little rainfall.
— This is 3:55 p.m. update. This story is developing and will continue to be updated throughout the day.
