Access to the Keys is now fully open on both the 18-Mile Stretch portion of U.S. 1 and Card Sound Road after a wide ranging wildfire known as the 344 Wildfire was brought under control.
Florida Forest Service reports the fire is now 80 percent contained and officials don’t expect the fire to spread. Crews are monitoring for hot spots across the more than 26 thousand acres of burned grass and wild land affected by the blaze. No homes or business structures were burned.
Fire crews continue to monitor the area for hotspots.
Fire and safety officials had to intermittently close the roads to fight the blaze along the main entry and exit corridors for the Florida Keys from Tuesday through Friday last week.
The fire ranged across over 26,000 acres of south Miami-Dade County and was battled by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the Florida Forest Service and additional strike teams.
“We are deeply grateful for the dedicated firefighters, emergency responders, and partner agencies working tirelessly to contain the 344 Fire in the Everglades. Their swift and coordinated response has been crucial in protecting our roads and preserving the natural environment,” said Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl.
While no further disruptions from the fire are expected, visitors to the Keys are advised to download the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department app with push alerts for road openings, closures and slowdowns to keep up with traffic conditions during future visits.