West Miami-Dade grass fire has charred 110 acres
Miami, Florida – Approximately 110 acres has been charred by a grass fire in the area of SW 8th Street and SW 137 Avenue in Miami-Dade.
As of Wednesday morning, the Florida Forest Service reports it was 80 percent contained.
According to the Florida Forest Service, it’s not one fire, but several that randomly popped up. Crews are challenged by the rough terrain in this area.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue performed water drops as firefighters battled it on the ground. Thick smoke from the fire could be seen miles away.
People who live in the area were concerned about seeing it on their drive home. “I was alarmed. I was like holy smoke. It could be right next to my house. I thought it could be around my house and got closer and it was in the woods,” said Morgan Miranda.
Those with respiratory problems could be bothered by the smoke, but no injuries have been reported. “We have to inhale all that nasty smoke that has to be around for a couple of days,” said Morgan.
“We’ve had it out west further and when the wind is blowing to the east you can feel it,” said Willy Guerra. “I mean I have a tracheotomy, so air quality really affects me a lot.”
According to Forestry officials, it wouldn’t be uncommon for brush fires to pop up in other areas. “Yeah, I’ve seen it burn before. I’ve been here since 2017 in the area,” said Morgan. “It’s sad. That’s not the first time those woods have caught on fire. That’s the ecosystem for some animals”.
According to fire rescue, with Wednesday’s east winds, the fire is moving away from residential areas.