Bush fires pollute air as Miami hosts World Cup action


MIAMI, United States, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Bush fires in Miami-Dade have burned thousands of acres and worsened the smoky conditions, prompting officials to urge residents to limit their time outdoors.

Massive clouds of smoke continued to cover parts of Miami-Dade skies on Wednesday. The fire grew to around 7,500 acres and was 30 percent contained as of Wednesday morning, according to the Florida Forest Service. A second fire has burned 500 acres and was 25 percent contained.

The fires were about 35 miles away from the Miami Stadium where Uruguay was held 1-1 by Saudi Arabia on Monday and the two-time World Cup winner will take on Cabo Verde on Sunday, the darkest horse so far after holding heavy favorite Spain in a goalless draw two days ago.

The smell of smoke has been consistent since the fires started, and some residents in Broward County, which sits north of Miami-Dade County, awoke Wednesday to ash on their cars.

Krome Avenue, a major South Florida roadway, was closed Wednesday morning. Local police said the avenue was shut down in both directions due to the growing bush fires.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area, expect delays, and seek alternate routes until further notice," the local police department posted on X.

No injuries have been reported, according to the police.

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