MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Fire crews were seen battling a brush fire east of Homestead Friday morning.
Video from Sky 10, taken from the area of Southwest 117th Avenue and 336th Street, showed firefighting helicopters getting water for the blaze.
The fire was not near any homes or businesses.
“We’re not sure what started it.” Florida Forest Service Everglades District Manager Kevin MacEwen told Local 10 News. “I’m sure it was human-caused. There hasn’t been any lightning.”
Officials said it was difficult to contain due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions, marking the start of an anticipated busy fire season.
Local 10 Weather Authority Meteorologist Brandon Orr said conditions have been unusually dry. He said Miami had received less than two inches of rain since January, compared to the usual five inches.
“So there’s a lot of fuel out there, a lot of dry fuel for these fires to burn,” Orr said. “There’s definitely an increased fire risk compared to an average year.”
MacEwen said Friday’s fire is actually good for the area, burning off dry and decaying vegetation that could fuel an even bigger blaze.
The worry is looking down the road to when lightning strikes will likely threaten already dry terrain.
“The thunderstorms are going to roll in and eventually here soon we’re probably going to have more fires,” MacEwen said. “It’s predicted to be busier in March, April and May.”
Friday’s 700-acre fire was 60% contained as of the evening hours.