TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service (FFS) are providing an update on the “344 Fire” in south Miami-Dade County and urging residents and visitors to avoid U.S. 1 in the area due to smoke and heavy emergency response. The Florida Forest Service and other firefighters from partner agencies have been battling the fire for eight days. The fire is approximately 24,000 acres and 30 percent contained. Card Sound Road and U.S. 1 are currently closed.
The Florida Forest Service currently has 27 personnel on scene, along with multiple engines, tractors, bulldozers, three helicopters, and two fixed-wing airplanes. FFS strike teams from North and Central Florida are also responding to the fire. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service have also responded with personnel and heavy equipment, including tanker aircraft. In addition to using heavy equipment and aviation, fire retardant has been used to help protect critical infrastructure in the area.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of South and Central Florida due to strong winds and low humidity. Wildfires can spread fast in these conditions, so the Florida Forest Service urges residents to stay alert and take the following precautions:
- Avoid outdoor burning
- Don’t discard cigarettes on the ground
- Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks
- Report smoke or fire immediately to 911 or the Florida Forest Service Field Unit in your area.
For the latest information on road closures in the area, visit fl511.com.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
###