A brush fire burning in West Miami-Dade has grown to roughly 200 acres with no containment, according to the latest update from state forestry officials. The fire sent a large column of thick black smoke into the sky and drew a sustained response through the afternoon and into the evening. As of the most recent figures given, the blaze stood at zero percent containment, and no injuries had been reported.
The fire was burning in West Miami-Dade, near the Metro West Detention Center and to the west of 27th Avenue, with crews and reporters stationed along Northwest 41st Street. According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the first calls about the fire came in shortly before a quarter to four in the afternoon. The forestry figure of about 200 acres burned was given at a check just before five o'clock.
The response to the fire was substantial. Helicopters were seen making water drops over the flames in an effort to extinguish the blaze, while ground crews worked to get the situation under control. Officials described a difficult firefight, with the fire spreading across a large area of dry ground and remaining uncontained as the evening went on.
The fire also affected the local power supply. Deputies at the scene said that multiple transformers had blown, and the utility, Florida Power and Light, was on site assessing the power lines. A business near the fire released its workers early because of the smoke, which grew heavier as the wind pushed it across the area and left conditions notably hazy.
Fire officials used the situation to warn about the health risks of the smoke. They said smoke from brush fires can travel for miles and affect air quality, carrying small particles and pollutants that can harm a person's overall health and especially the lungs. They recommended that people stay indoors as much as possible when smoke is visible or when the air quality is poor.
As the evening continued, the fire remained an active and developing situation. Forecasters said there was no rain expected in the immediate area of the fire in the short term, which offered little relief to the crews working the scene. Authorities said they would continue to provide updates, with the cause of the fire not yet established and the blaze still uncontained.