Travel Alert: Road Delays Into the Florida Keys Due to Wildfire

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — A fast-moving wildfire, named the 344 Fire by Florida Forest Service, is causing traffic delays into and out of The Florida Keys on the 18-Mile Stretch portion of U.S. 1, and has resulted in the closure of Card Sound Road. 

To keep up with the latest information on intermittent road closures and traffic conditions, drivers are encouraged to download the Monroe County Sheriff's Department app with push alerts for road openings, closures and slowdowns. 

Visitors are urged to plan ahead due to these intermittent closures on the 18-Mile Stretch, the main roadway for entering and leaving The Florida Keys. The alternate route of Card Sound Road is closed for the forseeable future due to heavy impacts from the fire. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the region due to low humidity and strong winds. These conditions are fueling the blaze that is now 30 percent contained. The fire ranges across 25,000 acres of south Miami-Dade County, according to the Florida Forest Service.

As helicopters make water drops along the 18-Mile Stretch and other crews work to fight  flames approaching the road, firefighters and safety officials have ordered intermittent road closures. 

Since the fire is located on the Miami-Dade side of U.S. 1, local Keys agencies are not in control of road closure decisions, but are doing their best to report on when road closures and openings occur. 

Drivers are urged to check the traffic app and plan ahead for delays, which could possibly last for many hours. 

For more information:

FL511 Traffic Information
Florida Forest Service Updates
Monroe County Emergency Management
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