Brush Fire Shuts U.S. 1, Card Sound Road to Keys; 350 Acres Burned, 84% of Florida in Drought

A brush fire that began Thursday in southern Miami-Dade County has caused intermittent closures of U.S. Route 1 and Card Sound Road, the primary roads connecting the Florida Keys to the mainland. The 18-Mile Stretch was also affected. At the height of the incident, both roads were closed in both directions, stranding drivers for hours and significantly restricting access to and from the Keys. By Friday, U.S. 1 southbound and Card Sound Road northbound had reopened, while U.S. 1 northbound and Card Sound Road southbound remained closed. Officials warned that intermittent closures would continue throughout the day due to ongoing fire activity and smoky conditions, urging residents and travelers to avoid the area unless travel was essential. The fire, known as the #167WestFire, started near Card Sound Road and Southwest 392nd block and has burned more than 350 acres. As of Friday morning, it was 25% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service continue efforts to contain the blaze. The fire occurs amid widespread drought, with over 84% of Florida, or more than 17 million people, experiencing drought conditions from abnormally dry to extreme. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index for the state is 466. Statewide, 66 wildfires are burning over 1,500 acres and 23 counties are under burn bans. Officials anticipate that rainfall over the coming weekend may help alleviate drought conditions, but continued dry weather and intermittent road closures are expected in the near term.