Miami-Dade Wildfire Expands to 24,000 Acres, Disrupting Travel and Raising Health Concerns

The rapidly spreading fire is 30% contained as firefighters face challenges from dry, windy conditions and marsh-like terrain.

The '344 Fire' in Miami-Dade County has grown to 24,000 acres as of March 20, 2025, with containment efforts reaching 30%.
Road closures on Card Sound Road and intermittent closures on U.S. 1 have disrupted travel to the Florida Keys during the busy spring break season.
Dry weather, strong winds, and severe drought conditions have accelerated the fire's spread, prompting ongoing red flag warnings.
Smoke from the wildfire poses health risks, with officials advising residents to limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed.
Firefighting efforts are hindered by the marshy terrain, which complicates equipment use, and changing wind patterns that spread the flames unpredictably.