Massive Miami-Dade Brush Fire Causes Major Traffic Delays Near Florida Keys

Brush Fire Impact on Florida Keys Access

• ⚠️ A large brush fire in Southwest Miami-Dade has significantly impacted access to and from the Florida Keys, particularly affecting Card Sound Road and the 18 Mile Stretch.
• 🚗 Some drivers experienced extreme delays, with wait times exceeding 8 hours due to traffic closures and congestion.
• 🗺️ Card Sound Road was open in both directions, serving as the primary route for those trying to exit the Keys, while northbound lanes of the 18 Mile Stretch remained closed.

Firefighting Efforts and Scale

• 🔥 Emergency crews are actively battling the brush fire, which is burning dangerously close to Card Sound Road.
• 📊 Officials report that 350 acres of land have burned so far, with only 25% containment of the wildfire.
• 🎯 Firefighting efforts are focused on tackling portions of the fire that directly threaten structures.

Traveler Experiences and Challenges

• 😥 Travelers faced stressful conditions, including limited access to restrooms, food, and communication due to long waits and dying phone batteries.
• ⛽ Concerns were raised about fuel levels, with some drivers having only 90 miles of gas remaining after hours of being stranded.
• 💡 The dynamic nature of road closures meant that routes open in the morning could be closed by the time travelers arrived, necessitating careful planning and flexibility.