WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) — Scores of firefighters continue to work around the clock at the scene of an intense brush fire burning now for nearly two days off Krome Avenue.
The out-of-control brush fire has forced the closure of Krome Avenue between Southwest Eight Street and U.S. 27. as of 3 p.m., Tuesday, the fire had grown to 3,900 acres, according to the Florida Division of Forestry. Dozens of firefighters, which also includes crews from Miami-Dade County, are focusing on 900 of those acres, near Krome, officials said.
Shifting winds have been working against fire crews, allowing the fire to jump containment lines. according to officials, embers from the brush fire jumped across the two-lane road overnight and started another brush fire. Now, there are brush fires on both sides of Krome Avenue.
The fire seems to be heading south toward Southwest Eighth Street. at 4 p.m. Tuesday, the fire was about 10 to 12 miles north from the heavily trafficked street, making officials very nervous, as it approaches closer to homes and businesses. "our main concern is on the eastern portion of Krome Avenue," said Scott Peterich of the Florida Division of Forestry. "We're trying to fight the southern portion of the fire. We're very, very concerned. There's a mud canal that runs east and west, and we keep losing the fire. it keeps moving to the south."
Miami-Dade fire Rescue Chief Abel Fernandez noted, "It's been coming from the north, it's been coming from the east. our biggest fear is if it starts just pointing from the north straight down because with it, it's gonna push this fire."
Adding to the concerns of fire officials are stands of brittle, dry melaleuca trees, which could provide dangerous fuel for the fire, allowing it to grow stronger and more difficult to contain.
Officials said they are prepared to take a hard stance on the fire. by tomorrow, they said, they are prepared to throw everything they have against this fire. "We will be making a fire line with every unit we have at the trail blaze range. We will not let it take it," Fernandez
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<a href="http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/22004517626627/tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/22004517626627/Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:07:38 GMT 00:00″>Brush fire continues to shut down road