Brush Fires in West Miami-Dade: Containment and Air Quality Concerns

Smoke rises during a brush fire that occurred in west Miami-Dade, near Doral, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, captured by Alie Skowronski from the Miami Herald. Fires that have engulfed nearly 22,000 acres in West Miami-Dade since the previous week were reaching containment by Monday. However, air quality throughout the county remains a significant concern.

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.”

As per the Florida Forest Service fire map, the Quarry Fire near Northwest 137th Avenue and 41st Street, west of Doral, has scorched approximately 19,000 acres, being 97% contained as of Sunday. Additionally, the Wells Fire near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street consumed around 2,750 acres, with containment at 85%. Furthermore, a third wildfire in the Everglades, covering 330 acres, was only 15% contained by Monday.

Since the onset of these fires on June 14 due to a thunderstorm, firefighters have been diligently working to control the blazes, and many residents have evacuated their homes while smoke, soot, and ash have infiltrated neighboring areas.

With the fires appearing to taper off, Miami-Dade County remains under an air quality alert until 3 p.m. Tuesday. Fisher pointed out that surface smoke is likely to intensify overnight as the winds from thunderstorms abate.

The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday morning and afternoon, which could spread patchy smoke across the metro Miami-Dade area. Temperatures are expected to be humid, with highs in the mid-90s and lows in the upper-70s.

“From the air quality to the heat to the humidity, it’s just important for people to take it easy,” Fisher advised.

Fisher recommended that individuals should reduce their outdoor activities during the evening and early morning hours. Staying indoors with closed windows is advisable. Those with sensitivities and people working outdoors overnight are particularly vulnerable.