Photo: Tverdohlib / iStock / Getty Images
Opa Locka, FL - A large fire at a junkyard in Opa Locka triggered evacuations and spread to nearby businesses as firefighters worked for hours to contain heavy flames and thick smoke rising over northwest Miami-Dade County.
Miami Dade Fire Rescue crews responded to the fire Monday at a scrapyard and industrial area near Northwest 135th Street and Northwest 47th Avenue.
Officials said the blaze quickly intensified due to vehicles, tires and other combustible materials located throughout the property.
Authorities reported that the fire spread beyond the junkyard and impacted neighboring businesses in the industrial area.
Thick black smoke could be seen from several miles away as emergency crews closed nearby roads and urged residents and workers to avoid the area.
Officials ordered evacuations for surrounding businesses as firefighters battled the flames from multiple sides.
Fire crews also used ladder trucks and large water streams to prevent the fire from spreading farther into nearby structures.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said no serious injuries were immediately reported, although firefighters remained on scene for several hours working to extinguish hot spots and secure damaged buildings.
Residents in surrounding neighborhoods reported smelling smoke and seeing ash fall in nearby areas while the fire continued burning through the afternoon.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire, and officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
Environmental and hazardous materials teams were also monitoring air quality conditions because of the large amount of smoke produced by the burning debris.
Authorities warned drivers to expect traffic disruptions near the industrial area while emergency crews continued cleanup and investigation efforts following the fire.