Fire Sweeps Through Miami-Dade Junkyard

MIAMI, FL — Fire swept through a Miami-Dade junkyard early Tuesday, sending flames and billowing clouds of smoke high above the property. The blaze broke out overnight at NW 127 Street and Port Said Road, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Residents in the area were being warned hours later that they may still see smoke from the overnight fire.

"When MDFR crews arrived, they observed several vehicles fully engulfed in flames. A second alarm was called due to the intensity of the fire and the number of vehicles burning," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported.

Fire officials said the blaze erupted around 2:30 a.m. The son of the owner of the business told Local 10 News that the business appears to have lost some 140 cars and two tow trucks.

"MDFR crews worked on extinguishing the fire and within the hour, the fire was under control," officials added.

Fire officials said that residents may continue to experience smokey conditions.

"We ask that people with respiratory issues stay indoors when possible, and put their AC on recirculating until the smoke fully dissipates," fire officials cautioned.

Junkyard fires tend to be difficult for firefighters because there are many different types of materials and fluids burning at once.

Photo courtesy Miami-Dade Fire Rescue