Miami-Dade Wildfires Impact Air Quality and Safety

Brush fires in West Miami-Dade have burned nearly 22,000 acres since beginning last week. Firefighters have nearly contained the blazes as of Monday, but air quality concerns persist across the county.

Chris Fisher, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami, stated, “Even though the containment is high, it is still burning. It just means that it’s burning inside that containment.”

The Quarry Fire near Northwest 137th Avenue and 41st Street, west of Doral, has consumed about 19,000 acres and was 97% contained as of Sunday, according to the Florida Forest Service fire map. In another area, the Wells Fire near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street burned approximately 2,750 acres and was 85% contained. Meanwhile, a 330-acre wildfire in the Everglades was 15% contained as of Monday.

The fires, sparked by a June 14 thunderstorm, caused dozens of firefighters to battle the flames and led to hundreds evacuating their homes. Smoke, soot, and ash spread into surrounding communities.

Inside Miami’s turbulent week: Wildfires, drifting soot, towering dark clouds, scorching heat.

Although the fires seem to be subsiding, an air quality alert is in effect for Miami-Dade County until 3 p.m. Tuesday. Fisher warned that surface smoke might worsen overnight as thunderstorm winds diminish.

The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday morning and afternoon, which may result in patchy smoke across metro Miami-Dade. The weather is expected to be humid, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and dropping to the upper-70s at night.

“From the air quality to the heat to the humidity, it’s important for people to take it easy,” advised Fisher. He recommended limiting time outdoors in the evening and early morning. Staying indoors and keeping windows closed is advisable, especially for those with sensitivities and individuals working outdoors at night.