Wildfires Impacting Miami-Dade County: Containment and Air Quality Concerns

Smoke rises during a brush fire on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in west Miami-Dade, just west of Doral. Photo by Alie Skowronski, [email protected].

The fires in West Miami-Dade have burned nearly 22,000 acres since last week and were nearly contained by Monday. However, air quality across the county remains a significant concern.

Fire Containment and Current Status

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 burned through around 19,000 acres and was 97% contained as of Sunday, according to the Florida Forest Service fire map. Meanwhile, near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street, the Wells Fire has consumed around 2,750 acres and was 85% contained. A third fire, a 330-acre wildfire in the Everglades, was 15% contained as of Monday.

Since a June 14 thunderstorm sparked the Quarry and Wells fires, dozens of firefighters have been battling the blazes, causing hundreds to leave their homes. Nearby communities have been affected by smoke, soot, and ash.

Air Quality and Weather Forecast

While the fires appear to be winding down, an air quality alert for Miami-Dade County remains active through 3 p.m. Tuesday. Surface smoke is likely to worsen overnight as thunderstorm winds calm, Fisher noted.

There is a possibility of showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday morning and afternoon, which may bring patchy smoke across metro Miami-Dade, according to the National Weather Service. The weather is expected to be humid, with highs in the mid-90s and lows in the upper-70s.

Health and Safety Recommendations

Fisher emphasized, “It’s just important for people to take it easy.” People are advised to limit their time outdoors during the evening and early morning. If possible, stay indoors and keep windows closed. Individuals with sensitivities and those working outdoors overnight are particularly vulnerable.