While the higher threat for fire danger has subsided for eastern Florida on Friday – this threat may increase again this weekend as a reinforcement of drier air comes in behind this front.

MIAMI – A raging brush fire once again forced the temporary closure Thursday of Florida’s busy 18-Mile Stretch that provides the main link to the Florida Keys. It was the third straight day the main road had been shut down, creating a renewed headache for traffic attempting to get to or from the islands.  The roadway reopened Thursday evening.

The fire, known as the 344 Fire, has been burning for days in the southern Miami-Dade County area south of Homestead and near the highway and ballooned to over 26,400 acres on Friday while only remaining 30% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

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Nearly the entire eastern half of the Florida Peninsula was on alert for wildfires into Friday, prompting officials to urge residents once again to avoid outdoor burning.

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A video shared by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shows a wildfire that broke out in the county on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

A video shared by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue shows crews driving through the flames and smoke during the emergency response, as well as helicopters battling the fire from above. 

Officials had warned residents in the region that smoke could drift into neighborhoods, leading to air quality issues.

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“It’s also spring break for many people across the country,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera said. “And many people go to this part of the country for spring break. So, whether you live there or you’re visiting, you know that this is a concern (Thursday).”

The 18-Mile Stretch was only closed for less than an hour on Wednesday but faced a several-hour closure on Tuesday.

Wednesday’s closure of US 1 lasted less than an hour, but the road was closed for several hours on Tuesday. Officials warn further closures remain possible.

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“Travelers need to be prepared for periodic closures and plan accordingly for potential lengthy stops and heavy delays over the next few days,” said Monroe County Emergency Management. “The forest service has urged people to avoid the area if at all possible.”

In tandem, Fire Weather Warnings and Watches remain in effect for several counties along Florida’s east coast from the Daytona Beach area south along Interstate 95 into Miami.