Brush Fires in Miami-Dade Affect Air Quality and Cause Evacuations

Smoke continues to rise during brush fires in west Miami-Dade, as seen on June 17, 2026, near Doral. The fire spans 5,300 acres and is currently 30% contained. The local community can expect ongoing conditions similar to the past week, with dark smoke, poor air quality, and periodic road closures.

These fires, ignited by a lightning strike, have now burned more than 20,000 acres since Sunday. The initial fire started near Krome Avenue during a thunderstorm and split into the Quarry 2 and Wells Fires. The Quarry 2 Fire has expanded to 19,000 acres with 97% containment, while the Wells Fire spans 1,425 acres and is 70% contained, reported by the Florida Forest Service.

The Quarry 2 Fire originated near Northwest 137th Avenue and Northwest 41st Street, while the Wells Fire began near Northwest 122nd Avenue and Northwest 58th Street. The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue stated, “As weather and wind conditions change, residents and visitors may continue to see or smell smoke, and nearby roadways may be smoky or hazy.”

Southbound lanes on Florida’s Turnpike, from Okeechobee Road to Northwest 41st Street, have reopened. Krome Avenue remains closed between Okeechobee Road and Southwest Eighth Street, expected to reopen later today. Trail Glades, a public shooting range operated by Miami-Dade County Parks, remains closed.

A third fire in the Everglades, named the Coptic Fire, began Wednesday following another lightning strike. It has grown to nearly 5,000 acres and is 40% contained. Amid a drought expected to continue through summer, experts warn of easier ignition and spread of fires.

“Multiple rainstorms are needed to alleviate the drought,” stated Chad Merrill, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist. Emergency crews working relentlessly to contain the fires will benefit from any rainfall on the West Miami-Dade fires.

Chris Fisher, a Miami meteorologist, noted rain chances of 50% to 60% for Saturday and Sunday, but it is uncertain whether these showers will cover the affected areas. AirNow’s real-time data classifies Miami-Dade County air quality as “moderate,” coinciding with a heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service predicting heat index values up to 110 degrees.

For areas affected by smoke, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue suggests minimizing outdoor activities, keeping doors and windows shut, and setting air conditioning systems to recirculate. The fires have also led to voluntary evacuations, with over 200 residents leaving their trailer park near Krome Avenue. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office announced that evacuees from Jones Fish Camp can now return home.

This report was initially released on June 20, 2026, at 11:48 AM.