ORLANDO, Fla. - A wildfire has caused significant disruption in the Florida Keys, with road closures and community responses dominating the headlines. On the evening of March 18, 2025, a wildfire erupted along the 18-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 1, the only highway bridging the Keys to the mainland, leading to the closure of both U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road. The blaze burned approximately 3,600 acres, and as of late Tuesday, was reported to be only 20% contained.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office reported dramatic images of heavy smoke and flames engulfing the highway. Smoke from the wildfire could be seen by drivers for miles as they drove south on Florida’s Turnpike. The fire prompted behaviors reminiscent of past emergency situations - with frantic residents trying to return home, echoing the chaos experienced during Hurricane Irma's evacuation in 2017.
"Right as we got here, they closed the damn road," shared Tom Richards, a 77-year-old local resident, expressing his frustration as he and his friends were caught in the traffic jam. The closure turned Florida City into a temporary parking lot, as vehicles lined the roads, unable to move.
As the fire spread throughout the day, authorities managed to reopen U.S. 1 gradually around 8:30 p.m. But as of Wednesday morning, March 19, Card Sound Road remained shut down, leading to lingering traffic disruptions. “Traffic was slowly trickling back into the Keys,” officials reported, as anxious travelers awaited clear routes into their destinations.
Michelle Danielson from the Florida Forest Service explained that the wildfire had been fueled by exceptionally dry conditions and high winds. The region has experienced a rainfall deficit ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 inches since the start of the year. This prolonged dry spell raises concerns about wildfire risks, prompting emergency agencies to issue fire warnings across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties.
"We are currently experiencing perfect conditions for increased risk of brush fires to start or to propagate," stated Erika Benitez, spokesperson for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Her warning highlighted the thin line the community walks during this dry season.
Witnesses described harrowing sights as they navigated the impacted roads. Cody Hinkle, 25, who was on his way to the Keys for spring break, reported seeing smoke on the Turnpike, initially mistaking it for clouds. "I thought it was just clouds, and when we came down here the roads were shut down," Hinkle recounted.
The fire, named 'The 344,' continues to pose a threat; however, local officials are remaining vigilant. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department continues to monitor the situation and respond to incidents. They have advised residents and travelers to limit exposure to smoke and to keep car windows closed as health warnings were issued due to smoke inhalation risks.
As the wildfire fought against the containment efforts, the passionate pleas from local residents mixed with the stark realities of ongoing operations carried out by emergency crews. "It'll stop when it hits the Everglades National Park tomorrow," said one firefighter, conveying both apprehension and hope regarding the fire's trajectory.
While residents and tourists alike felt the chaos, they adapted to the changing circumstances, with some attempting to re-route their travels. Reports continue to pour in as officials remain engaged in controlling the fire that jumped across Card Sound and U.S. Highway 1. Traffic in and out of the Keys has created a gridlocked scene, frustrating both residents and visitors.
As of now, Miami-Dade firefighters are focused on strategy and containment, monitoring many areas. Despite the challenging conditions, crews are empowered by their training and dedication, ensuring the community's safety and wellbeing.
The wildfire's continuing impact on the Keys has served as a sudden reminder of nature's unpredictability and the ongoing need for preparedness during wildfire season, spanning from October through May.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed as local authorities will issue updates on road closures, containment efforts, and conditions that could affect daily travel and health safety. The cooperation between emergency officials, residents, and visitors conveyed the spirit of resilience that will forever mark the fabric of Florida's Keys.
