Miami fire crews spent Friday fighting three wildfires in West Miami-Dade that burned more than 19,000 acres and forced major road closures. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Jason Fernandez said the fires remain difficult to control because of shifting winds and other factors.
Officials closed all southbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike between NW 41 Street and Okeechobee Road on Friday afternoon, then reopened two lanes around 8 p.m. Krome Avenue between Okeechobee Road and Tamiami Trail stayed closed in both directions.
Jason Fernandez on Friday
Fernandez said, "These fires present a significant challenge for all responders due to weather shifting winds and other factors". He also warned residents, "You should limit your exposure to that smoke and ensure that your family and pets are indoors".
The warning was aimed at people with respiratory conditions, who were told to remain indoors because of the smoke. Friday marked day six of the fire fight, and crews kept working through a scene that was still active while containment was incomplete.
Quarry fire and Well fire
As of Friday afternoon, the Quarry fire was 80% contained and the Well fire was 60% contained. Florida Forest Service crews set back fires on Friday to try to choke out the wildfires, while helicopters from Florida Forest Service and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue dumped buckets of water on the fire.
Erika Benitez said, "When dry air pulls moisture out of grass, leaves and brush, these organic materials can easily become fuel for fire". The three fires began after a lightning strike on Sunday night, and the size of the burn area had already passed 18,000 acres by Friday afternoon before climbing beyond 19,000 acres later in the day.
West Miami-Dade road closures
For motorists, the key changes were on Florida's Turnpike and Krome Avenue, where closures cut through the main corridors in West Miami-Dade. The reopened lanes on Friday night eased part of that disruption, but the fire fight was still active and smoke remained a problem for nearby residents.
