WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) – Two brush fire continue to grow after igniting earlier this week in West Miami-Dade, increasing already smoky conditions in the area and leading authorities to shut down Krome Avenue in both directions.<\/p>\n
One of the blazes threatened to stretch out along the 14600 block of Northwest 185th Street in Northwest Miami-Dade late Wednesday morning, near Mile Marker 31 and Mack\u2019s Fish Camp, on the east side of U.S. 27, as the fire fight entered its third day.<\/p>\n
While the flames are not threatening any structures, Mack\u2019s Fish Camp and some 200 residents in the area were evacuated on Wednesday afternoon out of an abundance of caution. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe evacuation was not mandatory. It was voluntary [and] it was for the sanctity of life,\u201d said Miami-Dade Sheriff\u2019s Office Asst. Sheriff Fernand Charles during a Wednesday afternoon press conference.<\/p>\n
Just after noon, 7Skyforce hovered above firefighters as they set back fires in an effort to contain the flames, which were burning perilously close to power lines.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we have here is we have them fighting fire with fire. You see a forestry [personnel] setting back fires, trying to contain the fire,\u201d said 7Skyforce\u2019s Ralph Rayburn. <\/p>\n
Crews later described their efforts to extinguish the flames.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo cut off the fuel as the fire, which is the head of the fire that\u2019s pushing forward, to basically eliminate it and cut the chances of it continuing to jump over Krome or jump over Okeechobee,\u201d said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah. <\/p>\n
Authorities have shut down Krome Avenue in both directions between Southwest Eighth Street and U.S. 27.<\/p>\n
Officials have dubbed the two fires, which started Monday afternoon, the Quarry and Well fires. As of noon on Wednesday, they have scorched nearly 14,000 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiami-Dade Fire Rescue crews continue to fight a large brush fire, which is basically now spread into two distinct fires that we\u2019re battling,\u201d said MDFR Operations Division Chief Michael Eng.<\/p>\n
\u201cMDFR alone has over 40 trucks, including our Incident Management Team along with the Miami-Dade Sheriff\u2019s Office, working with the Florida Department of Emergency Management, the Florida Forest Service, the National Guard. We requested mutual aid through air assets from the Broward Sheriff\u2019s Office Fire Rescue,\u201d said Jadallah.<\/p>\n
The Quarry Fire is 30% contained, and the smaller Well Fire is 25% contained.<\/p>\n
In a Wednesday afternoon press conference, officials said the wildfire was sparked by a lightning strike in West Miami-Dade on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Hours earlier, cameras captured thick plumes of smoke billowing high into the sky, seen from miles away. That smoke is so thick in parts of Broward County, it nearly eclipsed the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from view.<\/p>\n
In addition to reducing visibility and lowering air quality, the fires have caused ash to settle on cars in Miramar.<\/p>\n
From the ground to the air, firefighters continue working around the clock to keep these fires from growing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith two air rescue helicopters, conducting operations in conjunction with Florida Forestry and the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Office helicopters as well,\u201d said Eng.<\/p>\n
But with the winds shifting, officials said, the smoke can move quickly and conditions can change from one area to the next.<\/p>\n
\u201cReduced visibility. rapidly changing conditions and extreme temperatures can create hazardous driving environments,\u201d said MDFR Chief of Staff Erika Benitez. \u201cFire behavior can become much more aggressive during periods of extreme heat, leading to rapidly changing smoke patterns and potentially impacting roadways that were previously clear.\u201d<\/p>\n
And while the fires continue to burn, health experts warn the smoke can be more than just a nuisance. Breathing in those fine particles can cause serious health problems. especially for people with asthma or other respiratory issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnytime you smell it, it means that there\u2019s that small, fine particulate matter getting into your lungs,\u201d said Dr. Eric Bassan with Memorial Healthcare.<\/p>\n
Residents are advised to remain indoors as much as possible and set their vehicle air conditioners to recirculate.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you see the smoke out there and you smell it, I would encourage you to stay indoors,\u201d said Dr. Jerry Capote, Broward Health Chief Medical Officer. <\/p>\n
As of late Wednesday afternoon, it\u2019s unclear how long Krome Avenue will be closed. <\/p>\n
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