Wildfires in West Miami-Dade: Situation Update and Health Advisory

Smoke rises as a result of brush fires occurring on June 17, 2026, in West Miami-Dade, just west of Doral. The fires, which began last week, have consumed nearly 22,000 acres. By Monday, authorities had almost contained them, though air quality across the county remains problematic.

Chris Fisher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami, explained that despite the fires being nearly contained, combustion persists within those marked boundaries. The Quarry Fire, located near Northwest 137th Avenue and 41st Street, west of Doral, has burned approximately 19,000 acres and reached 97% containment by Sunday, as reported by the Florida Forest Service. In a separate incident, the Wells Fire near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street affected around 2,750 acres with containment at 85%. Another 330-acre wildfire in the Everglades was only 15% contained by Monday.

These fires were ignited by a thunderstorm on June 14. In response, dozens of firefighters have been managing the situation, while hundreds have evacuated their homes. Nearby communities have experienced smoke, soot, and ash from the fires.

Miami’s recent days have been challenging with wildfires, airborne soot, dense clouds, and extreme heat.

Despite indications that the fires are subsiding, Miami-Dade County remains under an air quality alert until 3 p.m. Tuesday. Fisher mentioned that surface smoke could intensify overnight as winds from thunderstorms decrease. The National Weather Service forecasts potential showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday morning and afternoon, leading to patchy smoke over metropolitan Miami-Dade. The forecast predicts high humidity with temperatures climbing to the mid-90s and dropping to the upper-70s at night.

Given the air quality, heat, and humidity, Fisher advises caution. People should reduce outdoor activities during the evenings and early mornings. Staying indoors with windows closed is recommended, especially for individuals with sensitivities and those working outdoors overnight.