FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — A brush fire caused major traffic delays Sunday evening for drivers leaving the Florida Keys as thick black smoke filled the sky near Florida City.
A crowd gathered at a gas station across the street watching a helicopter drop water on the flames from above as crews worked to contain the fire.
Kay, who was driving north on U.S. 1 after visiting her daughter in Islamorada, said traffic came to a standstill as she approached Florida City.
“This last probably mile took almost half an hour,” she said.
U.S. 1 was shut down in both directions in Florida City while firefighters battled the blaze.
Antonio, who lives nearby, said he saw flames, smoke and ashes while driving home from work in Key Largo.
“We saw the flames, the traffic, the cherries, the ashes blowing everywhere down the road,” he said.
Antonio said traffic was bumper to bumper for drivers trying to head north.
“The traffic’s crazy right now, it’s bumper to bumper,” he said.
He added that brush fires in the area have become a familiar sight over the years.
“Used to it after the three fires I’ve seen,” Antonio said. “Because the fire right next to the RV park, it’s at least once a year. The woods catch on fire over there.”
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