Goulds Grass Fire Engulfs Hundreds Of Acres
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GOULDS (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is rushing to extinguish a grass fire that has engulfed 150 acres in Goulds.
"It is contained on four sides by road, however, it did jump earlier because of the high winds," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Arnold Piedrahita.
Cell phone video taken by neighboring residents showed the brush fire started in the area of SW 120th Ave. and 224th St. before 6 p.m. The fire then jumped 120th avenue and continued to spread.
Nearly 20 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded along with the Florida Forest Service.
"We have forestry units deep in the terrain, fighting the fire while we supply them with fire and protect the perimeter from the fire jumping in on the road and traveling more populated areas," said Piedrahita.
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Besides combating the grass fire, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue worked to save a nearby church from burning down.
"We do have a church in the vicinity of the fire that is threatened at this time, but Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews along with forestry crews are lighting a back fire to block that fire from reaching the church," said Piedrahita.
Although fire officials said the fire is contained, it's not out – and weather is their biggest challenge.
"Our worst enemy in this type of fire is the wind. As you can see, it's dry today. The winds are picking up and they die back down. So that's what's hindering our progress, it's the winds," said Piedrahita.
It is currently unknown what started the fire.
