Seven Mile Bridge – Florida Keys — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Mia2you
A brush fire forced authorities to temporarily close U.S. 1 on Wednesday, causing hours of traffic jams for anyone attempting to enter or exit the Florida Keys.
According to Monroe County spokeswoman Kristen Livengood, Card Sound Road, the only other route that connects the Keys to Florida City on the mainland, was still closed due to the fire.
In an email, Livengood stated, “I do not have an estimated time frame for when it will reopen.”
Drivers should anticipate significant delays on an 18-mile (29-kilometer) section of U.S. 1 “as fire crews intermittently block traffic for fire mitigation/air water drops,” the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday afternoon.
About 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Miami is Florida City. On the mainland side of Card Sound Road, the fire started Tuesday afternoon. Authorities temporarily closed U.S. 1 due to the smoky conditions, but it reopened later Tuesday evening.
The majority of the region where the fire started is rural.
The Florida Forest Service and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue were attempting to contain the fire. Those with respiratory disorders were advised to stay indoors.
In South Florida, brush fires frequently occur during the so-called dry season. Additionally, the area has experienced windy conditions this week. Mid-May marks the start of the rainy season.
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