Miami brush fire closes highway, burns more than California Palisades fire

Florida officials closed major roads as the Homestead fire in southern Florida continued burning Friday after more than a week. The fire, formally known as The 344, had burned nearly 26,500 acres and was about 30% contained as of Friday afternoon, according to the Florida Forest Service. The Homestead fire has already burned more land than the devastating Palisades fire in southern California earlier this year.

How is the fire impacting locals? The fires caused a section of both U.S. Route 1 and Card Sound Road to close, triggering detours for travelers heading to and from the Florida Keys. Authorities are encouraging residents to stay indoors to avoid smoke inhalation but have not issued formal evacuation orders.

Dig deeper: Read my report on the California wildfires earlier this year.