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Emergency teams in Miami-Dade are continuing to work this Saturday to contain a wildfire that has burned over 27,000 acres in the southern part of the county.
A recent report from Univisión indicates that so far, the fire has been contained to 50%, and notes that adverse weather conditions have complicated its control.
Especially the lack of rainfall and the constant changes in wind direction have complicated the firefighting efforts that have been affecting the southeast of the county for several days.
"Every time the wind changes, the fire changes as well," explained Chief Andy Álvarez, incident commander of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR), at a press conference.
Authorities have indicated that one of the main objectives is to prevent the flames from reaching high-risk areas, including three correctional facilities and the city of Homestead, where a NASCAR race with thousands of attendees is set to take place this weekend.
"The fire remains active, and our priority is to protect people, both in the correctional facilities and at the mass event,” Álvarez assured.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of keeping the U.S. 1 highway clear, especially in the section known as the “18-Mile Stretch,” which is crucial for communication between Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys.
Florida Forest Service brigades and MDFR firefighters continue to work in the area with helicopters and tankers to drop water on the active hotspots.
Despite the progress, experts warn that the smoke will persist for several days, affecting air quality and posing a risk to individuals with respiratory issues.
Emergency teams will remain in the area in the coming days, monitoring the progress of the fire and ensuring that it does not pose a threat to nearby communities.
Homestead is an increasingly populated area south of Miami-Dade, and the fire has residents on edge.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wildfire in Miami-Dade
What is the current status of the wildfire in Miami-Dade?
The wildfire in southern Miami-Dade has been contained to 65%. Emergency teams continue to work diligently to control the blaze that affects over 27,000 acres. Weather conditions, such as the lack of rainfall and the constant changes in wind direction, have complicated efforts to manage it.
What measures are the authorities taking to protect high-risk areas?
The authorities are prioritizing preventing the flames from reaching high-risk areas, such as correctional facilities and the city of Homestead, where a NASCAR race will take place. Helicopters and tanker planes are being used to drop water on active hotspots and keep key roads such as U.S. 1 clear.
How does the smoke from the fire affect the local population?
The smoke from the fire will linger for several days, which may affect air quality and pose a risk to individuals with respiratory issues. Residents are advised to stay indoors and follow the authorities' guidelines to minimize exposure.
Which roads are affected by the fire in Miami-Dade?
Card Sound Rd. and US-1 may experience temporary closures due to the fire. Those traveling on these roads are advised to stay alert and follow the recommendations of the authorities to avoid risks related to smoke and fire.
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