Smoke clouds the sky due to a brush fire on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in west Miami-Dade, just beyond Doral. The fires in this region have affected nearly 22,000 acres since last week. By Monday, they were almost contained, yet air quality across the county remains problematic.
Chris Fisher, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami, explained that despite high containment levels, the fires continue to burn within controlled areas. The Quarry Fire, situated near Northwest 137th Avenue and 41st Street, west of Doral, has impacted approximately 19,000 acres and is 97% contained as of Sunday, according to the Florida Forest Service fire map.
The Wells Fire, located near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street, burned around 2,750 acres and was 85% contained. Another wildfire, spanning 330 acres in the Everglades, stood at 15% containment by Monday.
These fires ignited after a thunderstorm on June 14, leading dozens of firefighters to engage in battling the flames. Smoke, soot, and ash have dispersed into nearby communities, causing evacuations for hundreds.
Despite signs of the fires abating, an air quality alert for Miami-Dade County continues until 3 p.m. Tuesday. Fisher noted that surface smoke might worsen overnight as thunderstorm winds taper off. Showers and thunderstorms are possible Tuesday morning and afternoon, which could carry smoke across metro Miami-Dade, according to the National Weather Service. The forecast predicts humid conditions with temperatures peaking in the mid-90s and dropping to the upper-70s.
Due to these challenging conditions, Fisher emphasized the importance of taking precautions. He advised limiting outdoor activities during the evening and early morning. Staying indoors and keeping windows closed is recommended. People with sensitivities or those working outside overnight are particularly at risk.
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