A 24,000-acre brush fire continues to burn Thursday afternoon in south Miami-Dade County, sparking heaving emergency response.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, along with the the Florida Forest Service (FFS) provided an update on the "344 Fire," urging residents and visitors to avoid the US-1 in the area due to smoke and heavy emergency response.
FSS personnel and other fire crews have been battling flames for eight days as the the fire is currently believed to be 30% contained. Card Sound Road and US-1 are currently closed due to the fire.
FSS said they currently have 27 personnel on the scene, along with multiple engines, tractors, bulldozers, three helicopters and two fixed-wing airplanes.
According to the update, FFS strike teams from north and central Florida are also responding to help combat the flames.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the US Forest Service have also responded with personnel and heavy equipment, including a tanker aircraft.
In addition to heavy equipment and aviation, fire retardant has reportedly been used to help protect infrastructure in the area.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of South and Central Florida due to strong winds and low humidity.
The "344 Fire" is burning east of the nearly 2,300-acre "Johnson Fire," located northeast of Mahogany Hammock and Main Park Road.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, the "Johnson Fire" is just 30% contained as of 4 p.m. on Thursday.
Wildfires can spread fast in these conditions, so FSS is urging residents to stay alert and take the following precautions:
- Avoid outdoor burning
- Don’t discard cigarettes on the ground
- Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks
- Report smoke or fire immediately to 911 or the Florida Forest Service Field Unit in your area .
You can count on Gulf Coast News to provide updates as they are provided.
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