A brush fire in southern Miami-Dade County that has burned at least 400 acres was 70% contained as of Saturday, according to the Florida Forest Service, which continued to battle the flames alongside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. As of late Friday night, all lanes along U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road between Florida City and Key Largo
are open . However, fire officials caution that road closures may be reinstated at any time due to shifting conditions and ongoing firefighting operations. Crews were still actively working in the area amid high winds Saturday, which could complicate containment efforts. Officials said hotspots are still flaring up along Card Sound Road. This is the
second brush fire to hit the same area since March . While this fire is smaller in size, Florida Forest Service officials said it's burning closer to residential areas, increasing the concern.
Florida City residents and businesses feel the impact
"I did not know how close this was until you showed me. Oh my god," said a woman who declined to share her name or show her face. She said she recently moved to Florida City and has been struggling with the smoke. "I do not need to be around this smoke. It's like I can't even walk outside and sit on the porch," she said. Nearby business
Alabama Jacks had to close for a second time due to the fire. The only way to access the restaurant is through Card Sound Road, which shut down Friday amid firefighting efforts. "Yesterday we had to close. But the power did not go out, so we're very grateful," said owner Phyllis Sague. She estimates the closure cost them around $8,000. The restaurant was forced to close for four days during the previous fire in March.
Travelers weigh risks of heading to the Florida Keys
The
167 West Fire has disrupted travel to and from the Florida Keys since Thursday, when intermittent closures began on the 18-Mile Stretch and Card Sound Road. Drivers have been urged to stay alert and check conditions before heading south. Roads to the Keys were open Saturday when Duby Jimenez launched his brand-new boat, but he remained cautious. "Worst case scenario, we're gonna have to rent a hotel and stay in a room somewhere. Didn't want to, but hey—it's meant to be, right?" Jimenez said. Jason Pita and his friends also decided to move forward with their plans to visit the Keys despite the uncertainty. "Yeah, we're going down. We already drove like 30, 40 minutes—we need to go down," he said. A similar fire in the same region last March scorched more than 26,000 acres and forced road closures for a week. William Mendez, who was caught in that fire's aftermath, recalled getting stuck in the Keys for over two days. "I didn't think I'd have to go through this again so soon," he said.
Florida officials continue investigation, urge public caution
Michelle Danielson, senior forester with the Florida Forest Service's Everglades District, confirmed there were no additional updates as of Saturday morning beyond the 400-acre size and 70% containment. Officials are asking the public to avoid the affected area as emergency crews continue to secure the fire lines. South Florida remains at a moderate wildfire risk on the
Florida Fire Danger Index . The cause of the fire remains under investigation. "There's not been any lightning," said Kevin MaCewen of the Florida Forest Service. "They're gonna be human caused. Whether they're intentional or unintentional, we're still trying to figure that out." Firefighters and the forest service continue to stress that road conditions can change quickly depending on how much the fire spreads toward key access points. Steve Maugeri joined the CBS News Miami team in April 2024. Steve has always loved the beach and is excited to live this close to the ocean within a major city as well!
