MONROE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A brush fire in Miami-Dade County on Tuesday afternoon has led to the closure of all vehicle entry and exit points to the Florida Keys. Traffic on U.S. 1's 18-Mile Stretch and Card Sound Road in upper Key Largo is currently blocked, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO). The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting in the closure efforts. Photos taken from traffic cameras show bumper-to-bumper traffic.
According to deputies, the wildfire shut down the main artery into the Florida Keys. By Tuesday night, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported that access was gradually reopening, though caution was urged for drivers. “So scary,” said Analay Chavez, who witnessed the fire.
Traffic was snarled for hours, as smoke and flames in the Miami-Dade area got closer to the well-known 18-Mile Stretch of U.S. Highway 1. U.S. 1 is the primary route connecting the mainland to the Florida Keys, making these road closures a significant issue for travelers and locals alike. The disruptions caused major delays for many motorists who attempted to enter or exit the Keys.
Card Sound Road, the other main roadway, remained closed for several hours due to the ongoing firefighting efforts. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fast-moving blaze, which at one point expanded to cover around 2,000 acres near the 40800 block of Card Sound Road.
“I just see this huge cloud of smoke start coming over the bridge and the cops started pulling up, shutting down the road. People were turning around, cars piling up,” said Holden Willett, a visitor from Iowa who was caught in the gridlock.
Marie, another traveler from Pennsylvania, expressed concern for others stranded in the traffic, describing the situation as frustrating. Stranded motorists included Charles Lim from South Korea, who commented, “I was so happy to see the ocean, but ohhh, I'm stuck!” He noted that he had travel plans, adding, “I’m so sorry about that because I need to go back to my country tomorrow.”
The situation was chaotic, with traffic backed up for miles as vacationers hoped to reach their destinations. Authorities indicated that the closures would remain in effect until the fire was fully contained and it was safe to reopen the roads.
As the fire progressed, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service deployed more than 15 units and air rescue helicopters to battle the flames. By the night of March 18, access was gradually reopening along U.S. 1, which saw its first vehicles moving around 8:30 p.m. after being shut down for almost four hours.
The fire, which prompted local evacuation warnings, was reported to be around 20% contained by the morning of March 19, though firefighters were challenged by the terrain and weather conditions. Officials confirmed that while no injuries had been reported, the wildfire caused damage to essential infrastructure, including power lines and communication towers.
In light of the ongoing situation, local officials urged drivers to stay clear of the area if possible and to follow health precautions to avoid exposure to smoke. Recommendations included keeping vehicle windows closed and using air conditioning on recirculate.
As crews work relentlessly to control the situation, fire officials have warned that the situation could persist for several days, with the brush fire expected to burn actively. With spring approaching, local fire management teams remain on alert, as March is typically a precursor to the peak wildfire season in South Florida.
Travelers and locals alike are hoping for a swift resolution to this dangerous situation, and officials advise patience as emergency services work to restore safety and access to one of Florida's prime tourist destinations, the beautiful Florida Keys.
