Fire spreads to Homestead, as 20,000-plus acres burn. No threat to neighborhoods: authorities
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Massive Miami-Dade brush fire raged for days; burned over 26,000 acres
The Florida Forest Service, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Monroe County Fire Rescue spent more than a week in mid-March battling a 26,000-acre brush fire that caused full road closures of the Florida Keys and polluted air with smoke.
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The fast-moving fire that closed the only two roads in and out of the Florida Keys has now spread to Homestead, closed the Florida City exit from the Turnpike and burned more than 20,000 acres, 10 times larger than two days ago, officials said.
Both the 18 Mile Stretch of U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road — the only two roads in and out of the Florida Keys — were closed in both directions Thursday. And authorities closed the Florida City exit — Exit #1 — from Florida’s Turnpike. Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies blocked off Florida City at the intersection of U.S. 1 and East Palm Drive as well.
While the fires have intensified over the past few days due to dry air and high winds — and spread from Florida City north to Homestead — Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said Thursday afternoon the fires are not likely to spread into neighborhoods.
“While there remains no threat to commercial or residential areas, shifting winds may increase smoky conditions,” the agency told the Herald.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced early Thursday night that the 18 Mile Stretch was reopened, but the agency cautioned travelers that “changing weather/fire conditions” could change that at any time.
READ MORE: Can you enter or leave the Keys as wildfires close roads? Get to car race? What to know
Tenfold jump in fire size
Aerial surveillance of the fire conducted by the Florida Forest Service shows that it is much larger than officials originally estimated. On Tuesday, the Forest Service said it was burning around 2,000 acres and was 20% contained. On Wednesday, it said 4,000 acres and 20 percent containment.
By Thursday, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told the Miami Herald that the fire was burning 24,000 acres of brush — with 30% containment. That’s larger than the Palisades Fire in California in January, which burned more than 23,000 acres before being fully contained.
Firefighters from the Florida Park Service and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue were piloting helicopters over the flames, dropping water collected from canals over thick plumes of smoke around Southwest 344th Street and Southwest 117th Avenue in Homestead. Ash rained from the sky while throat-choking smoke filled the air.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office warned drivers that road closures would be ongoing until the fires were brought under control.
Stranded drivers line the roads
As the fires raged, the parking lots of businesses like Starbucks, Walgreens and Cracker Barrel were full of people stranded on their way to the Keys. Cars were parked everywhere from the grass rights-of-way to the road shoulders.
Farther east down East Palm Drive, large plumes of smoke encroached on neighborhoods like the Gardens II, as well as the Publix at Southeast 13th Avenue in Homestead. In the Publix parking lot, two families, the Penellases and Folletts, who winter in Jupiter by way of their home in Pennsylvania, hung out, eagerly waiting so they can get to Key Largo in time for a wedding Saturday.
“We’re 15 miles from the house we’re supposed to be staying in,” said Steve Follett. “I feel like I can reach out and touch it.”
The crew of 13 people ranging from infant to middle age, kept in good spirits as they hoped they’d soon get word the roads reopened.
Sue Penellas, mother of the groom, said it wasn’t just a matter of her family getting down to the Keys in time. Needed supplies were also being held up.
“We’ve got the drinks in the car, and the tent is on its way down from Miami,” she said.
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Fire warnings by Weather Service
The fires began more than a week ago, but grew and intensified due to dry air and high winds.
The National Weather Service issued a red-flag fire warning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m Thursday for most of South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, up to Lake Okeechobee.
By Thursday night, forecasters issued a fire weather watch that will take effect Friday morning through the evening for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
NASCAR race still running
The city of Homestead said there have been brief power outages due to fires under high-voltage lines, and crews are working on repairs. Some tower damage may affect cellphone and internet service, the city said.
The city also said the NASCAR Cup Series, set to take place this weekend at Homestead Miami Speedway, will continue as scheduled.
Miami Herald Staff Writer Devoun Cetoute contributed to this report.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 8:55 AM.
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