Wildfire in Coastal Miami-dade County, Florida

The 344 Wildfire burned over 20,000 acres in extreme southeast Miami-Dade County, ignited near East Palm Drive and SW 117th Ave, near Homestead. On March 13th, it was reported to be approximately 700 acres and 50 percent contained. No injuries, evacuations, or endangerments were reported at the time. With a strong easterly wind and gusts up to 25 mph, containment was lost and the fire began to rapidly grow on March 18th. Smoke covered the roadways of US-1 and Card Sound Roads. US 1 and Card Sound roads were closed between Florida City and Key Largo intermittingly for several days preventing access to and from mainland Florida and the Keys. Miami-Dade EM reported several power lines on Card Sound Road had been burned down and damage to several communication towers. By the end of March, the Florida Forest Service reported that the 344 Wildfire was at 26,719 acres and 85 percent containment.

Dry fuels, limited moisture, and strong winds lead to the 344 Wildfire in extreme far southeastern Miami-Dade County. Ignition was reported on March 12th and continued until containment in early April. It interfered with state transportation and local electricity. No injuries, fatalities, or evacuations. The cause of wildfire is unknown.