Two Wildfires Burn Over 8,000 Acres in Western Miami-Dade, Prompting Air Quality Warnings and Road Closures
Two active wildfires burned through more than 8,000 acres of vegetation in western Miami-Dade County on Wednesday, sending smoke plumes visible into southwest Broward County and worsening air quality across South Florida.
The larger blaze, the Quarry 2 Fire, began Monday near Northwest 137th Avenue and 41st Street. By Wednesday, it had burned between 7,400 and over 13,400 acres and was about 30% contained, highlighting how quickly it spread.
The second fire, the Well Fire, started Tuesday near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street. It has burned roughly 500 acres and is about 25% contained.
Smoke and ash impacted Hialeah, Doral, Hialeah Gardens, and Medley, with residents in nearby areas reporting strong smoke odor and poor air quality.
Authorities issued low-visibility driving alerts, including on the Florida Turnpike near Hialeah. The Miccosukee Police closed Krome Avenue in both directions, and the Florida Highway Patrol shut down that stretch between SW 8 Street and Okeechobee Road, urging drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed about seven units, supported by the Florida Forest Service, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Army helicopters. Water tankers and fire pumps were also brought in to sustain suppression efforts.
Officials said rising daytime temperatures could lift smoke higher but warned wind shifts could change smoke direction and trigger additional road closures. Lieutenant Jeanette Harrington said people nearby may see and smell smoke and should limit time outdoors.
The EPA advised against outdoor activity in South Florida. Fire officials urged residents to keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning on recirculation, especially for children, older adults, and those with respiratory issues.
Recent fires include the May Max Road Fire, which burned 5,650 acres in the Everglades, and the April Highway 41 Fire, which scorched more than 6,500 acres in Everglades National Park amid nearly 100 simultaneous wildfires statewide.
