MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A brush fire burning in west Miami-Dade has scorched more than 5,000 acres so far, officials confirmed to Local 10 News on Tuesday.
The fire, which started on Saturday and has been dubbed the Highway 41 Fire, is burning to the south and west of Tamiami Trail, just past Krome Avenue.
The fire prompted a partial park closure, including parking lots, facilities and navigable waterways within the impacted area.
On Tuesday morning, Coopertown Airboats south of Tamiami Trail was evacuated as a precaution after smoke conditions increased near the attraction.
Heavy smoke could still be seen Tuesday afternoon coming from the blaze, just a few miles west from the Miccosukee Casino.
By midday, conditions improved as clear skies returned overhead and crews wrapped up hose lines after successfully suppressing the head of the fire, which had quickly spread through the area following a change in wind direction.
Officials said Safari Park and Gator Park were also closed due to predicted weather conditions. At last check, no buildings had sustained damage and no injuries were reported.
Marshall Jones, of Mack’s Fish Camp, said his company is keeping a close eye on wind direction and speed.
“The winds are supposed to shift tomorrow, and when that happens, that fire could potentially jump Tamiami Trail on the horizon line right there and come out into this area,” he said.
North of Tamiami Trail, which is being used as a fire break, airboat tours continued operating without interruption.
Michele Sutter, who is visiting from Switzerland, told Local 10 News that she and her family still felt safe during their tour.
“I know the area so it is not my first time here, but haven’t seen such a big fire lately,” she said. “We still feel safe.”
Sutter, who previously lived in Miami, said she is familiar with brush fires occurring during South Florida’s dry season.
Airboat captain Hank Ridings said those conditions are not unusual.
“In a drought like we are in right now it could happen at any time, a lightning strike, someone throwing a cigarette butt out not understanding how that can start a fire,” Ridings said.
From the early morning hours, the fire off Tamiami Trail was lit by moonlight, but within hours, the billowing smoke and crackling embers reached the road.
At some point, flames pushed onto the street, getting within feet of oncoming cars.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, but fire service crews continue to assess the damage from above as the fire continues to move east.
Fire rescue officials say the smoke has affected the air quality in the area, so residents nearby are advised to stay indoors if they suffer from respiratory issues.
As of Tuesday evening, the fire remains 0% contained, and the cause is still under investigation. Crews continue to assess conditions from above as the fire moves through the area. Officials said there have been no injuries and no property damage.
The National Park Service is also urging visitors to check for closure updates before heading to the park and to allow extra travel time, especially along Highway 41, where smoke can worsen at night and in the early morning hours.
Officials noted that South Florida’s dry season, which typically runs from December through April, increases the risk of brush fires across the region.
Fire officials said smoke has affected air quality nearby, and those with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors or avoid smoky areas.
Related media
The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is containing a 2,500-acre wildfire along U.S. 41. The road remains open but may have temporary closures. Other closures and current status can be found: https://t.co/VNS4C0Gf3b #EvergladesNationalPark #Everglades #USWFS pic.twitter.com/9rUmJlXhNY
— Everglades National Park (@EvergladesNPS) April 28, 2026
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