MONROE COUNTY RESPONSE TO FIRES AFFECTING CARD SOUND ROAD & 18-MILE STRETCH

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Monroe County Emergency Management, along with its partners throughout the Florida Keys and south Miami-Dade, have been monitoring the resource needs due to the fire affecting Card Sound Road and the 18-Mile Stretch (U.S. 1). The lead agencies for this incident are Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service. It is being referred to officially as the 344 Fire. 
 
At this time, Card Sound Road remains closed, and while the 18-Mile Stretch is open, there will continue to be the need for possible closures to make the necessary firefighting missions successful. 
 
As of now, there are no unmet needs from our partners. 
 
Travelers need to be prepared for periodic closures and plan accordingly for potential lengthy stops and heavy delays over the next few days. The forest service has urged people to avoid the area if at all possible. 
 
Right now, there are no changes to garbage service in the Upper Keys, but should additional closures happen overnight, an announcement will be made in the morning to let residents know of any changes. 
 
According to the forestry officials, the fire has burned 24,000 acres as of earlier today, and 30 percent of the fire is contained. Officials have also ordered additional water tankers to be on the scene tomorrow. 
 
Please do not fly any drones in the area, as this will immediately stop aerial firefighting missions. 
 
Florida Keys emergency services have not been impacted by the fires on the mainland, and Trauma Star continues to operate without concern for critical transport. 
 
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office regularly updates its app and social media with the latest openings and closures. Please download their app from the Apple or Google Play store, and find them on Facebook at MCSO - Florida Keys. You can also find information on road closures and webcams at fl511.com. 
 
Due to low humidity and gusting winds, please avoid anything that might ignite a fire, including outdoor burnings, discarding cigarettes, and dragging trailer chains.

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