Firefighters Battle Several Grass Fires In SW Miami-Dade Park
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Florida Forest Service crews battled several grass fires in Southwest Miami-Dade that were considered to be acts of arson.
According to the Florida Forest Service, five intentional fires were set inside Larry & Penny Thompson Park located at 12451 SW 184th St.
"It's unfortunate because there were several pavilions where they were having parties," said Florida Forest Service spokesman Scott Peterich. "There were bounce houses out there and parties, balloons...they had to leave. The fire came right up to the pavilion."
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Forestry crews set back fires to let the blaze burn itself out. By 8:45 p.m. up to 90 percent of the 200-acre fire was contained.
At one point the blazes threatened Zoo Miami, but crews were able to neutralize that issue.
Other than the zoo concern, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said the fires never really threatened homes or businesses.
Apparently there was a sixth fire, also thought to be intentionally lit, that only Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to.
Florida Forest Service said they've responded to suspicious fires for the past couple of months.
Saturday's fire burned in an area that has a very unique ecosystem.
"This is a Pine Rockland, some of the most valuable and precious resources in the south. There's a part here, a part in Big Pine Key and some in the Bahamas and that's it in the world," said Peterich.
Since arson is suspected, the Miami-Dade Police Department has been brought in to investigate.
Fortunately no injuries were reported.
