MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Two grass fires that erupted Sunday afternoon in west Miami-Dade County have burned through over 250 acres, as of Monday afternoon, the Florida Forest Service confirmed.
“It’s a horrible thing that’s going on,” Sergio Rivas, who lives in the area, said.
According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials, crews responded to one fire in the area of Southwest 137th Avenue and Eighth Street around 2:14 p.m. Sunday.
“We’ve lived here for 20 years and this is not new to us. Every time it happens, it’s very sad,” another resident, Michelle Izquierdo, said.
According to MDFR, about 45 percent of the fire, which has burned 170 acres, been contained, thanks in part to the Tamiami Canal.
“It just keeps getting more and more. It’s like wow,” Danielle Pavon told Local 10 on Sunday.
MDFR officials said 18 units responded to the scene Sunday to assist the Florida Forest Service.
Air Rescue was also deployed to drop water from the air to contain the fire.
Another fire was reported in the area of Southwest 157th Avenue and Bird Road.
Firefighters say that blaze has scorched 100 acres and is 90% contained.
Nearby roadways were shut down in the area after the fires erupted, but all roads were reopen by Monday morning. It was still smoky in the area, however.
“Due to the fires, hazy and smoky conditions will linger throughout the day,” MDFR officials said in a news release. “We remind anyone suffering from respiratory conditions to limit their exposure to smoke, especially if they are at increased risk for particle-related effects. Keep indoor air as clean as possible by keeping your windows and doors closed and run your air conditioner by recirculating the air inside your home until conditions improve. If you have asthma or another lung disease, make sure you follow your healthcare provider’s directions.”