U.S. 1’s 18-Mile Stretch Closes Traffic to Florida Keys for Third Time Due to Brush Fire

On March 21, 2025, the 18-mile stretch of U.S. 1, a vital artery connecting mainland Florida to the Florida Keys, was closed for the third time this month due to a persistent brush fire. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office reported that the fire, which had been smoldering for days, reignited with renewed vigor, necessitating the immediate closure of the highway to ensure public safety.

The brush fire, fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds, has been a recurring concern for South Florida, particularly affecting the region's transportation networks. The closure of U.S. 1 has caused significant disruptions, with travelers to and from the Florida Keys forced to seek alternative routes or postpone their journeys entirely. Local businesses in the Keys, heavily dependent on tourism, have felt the economic strain of these repeated closures.

Firefighters from multiple agencies have been battling the blaze, but the challenging terrain and weather conditions have hampered their efforts. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office has advised residents and visitors to stay updated on the situation through official channels and to avoid the affected area until further notice.

This incident underscores the growing challenges posed by wildfires in the region, exacerbated by climate change. As Florida grapples with increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters, the need for robust emergency response and mitigation strategies becomes ever more critical.

• Brush Fire
• Florida Keys
• Monroe County Sheriff's Office
• U.S. 1

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U.S. 1's 18-Mile Stretch closes traffic to Florida Keys for third time due to brush fire

2 weeks ago

- cbs12