A NEXT Weather Smoke Alert has been issued Wednesday for southern Miami-Dade County and the upper Florida Keys due to the potential for smoke reducing air quality after sunset and continuing overnight.

Weather radar images continued to show significant smoke plumes Wednesday afternoon, with no signs of dissipating.

The smoke originated from a massive brush fire in southern Miami-Dade County , which has already burned 3,600 acres and remained only partially contained as of Wednesday, according to the Florida Forest Service.

Fire crews, including more than 15 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units and personnel from the Florida Forest Service, continued efforts Wednesday to contain the flames.

The fire has also caused major traffic disruptions. Card Sound Road remained closed Wednesday, and U.S. 1's 18-Mile Stretch, which was shut down Tuesday, reopened late that night but continued to experience delays as fire crews intermittently blocked traffic for firefighting efforts.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office cautioned drivers to expect ongoing travel disruptions.

A fire weather warning will go into effect at 11 a.m. Thursday, as winds are expected to pick up ahead of an approaching front, creating conditions for rapid fire spread. Officials said the lack of rain in the forecast and persistent dry conditions could further fuel the wildfire.

The Florida Highway Patrol said Wednesday morning that the fire is expected to burn for several days .

Born in Cuba, Ivan grew up in Miami. He holds a Television Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society.