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Massive Miami-Dade Wildfire Burns 4,000 Acres, Disrupts Infrastructure

Firefighters battle challenging conditions as 'The 344' wildfire continues to spread, with 20% containment and road closures impacting access to the Florida Keys.

Smoke from wildfire fills the sky on Card Sound Road heading to the Florida Keys on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (Monroe County Board of County Commissioners via AP)
This map shows a number of wildfires listed as "active" across Florida.
Western Fire Chiefs map showing the 344 and Johnson fires burning in southern Florida on Tuesday.
A wildfire map shows all active fires burning in Florida, including one in Miami-Dade County.

Overview

  • 'The 344' wildfire has burned 4,000 acres in Miami-Dade County with only 20% containment as of Wednesday afternoon.
  • Card Sound Road remains closed due to hazardous smoky conditions, while US-1 has reopened after temporary closures caused significant traffic disruptions.
  • Dry and windy weather, compounded by a regional drought, has fueled the wildfire's rapid spread and created critical fire weather conditions.
  • Firefighting efforts are hindered by soft terrain resembling marshland and shifting wind directions, complicating containment strategies.
  • A separate wildfire near Everglades National Park, named 'Johnson,' has burned 1,900 acres with zero containment, underscoring the region's vulnerability during the dry season.