U.S. 1 To Florida Keys Miami-Dade County Brush Fire 3/19/25 Update

3/22/25 UPDATE

HOMESTEAD, Florida – All traffic reopened on the 18-Mile Stretch of U.S. 1 Tuesday night after a  sprawling brush fire in extreme southern Miami–Dade County severed vehicle access to the Florida Keys, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. But Card Sound Road remains closed in both directions as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

Dubbed the “344 Brush Fire,” the blaze had forced the closure of the 18-Mile Stretch and Card Sound Road—the only two roadways linking the mainland to the Keys during the busy Spring Break travel season.

“Motorists are advised to avoid traveling on the 18-Mile Stretch, if possible, at this time. Those that must make the trip on the 18-Mile Stretch are urged to take due care/proceed with caution,” the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office stated in a release.

The fire, burning east-southeast of Homestead/Florida City and west-southwest of Homestead Bayfront Park, is 20% contained, according to the latest reports at 4:45 p.m. from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR).

MDFR and the Florida Forest Service are battling the flames with air rescue helicopters conducting water drops and water tender trucks on the ground.

“Due to the fire, those in the area may experience hazy and smoky conditions. We remind anyone suffering from respiratory conditions to limit their exposure to smoke, especially if they are at increased risk for particle-related effects,” MDFR posted on X.

 “Keep your vehicle windows closed and run your air conditioner on recirculate to keep the air inside the vehicle as clean as possible.”