Wildfires Challenge Miami-Dade as Holiday Weekend Approaches

Smoke rose during a brush fire on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in west Miami-Dade, close to Doral. As the holiday weekend approached, three wildfires continued burning, affecting Juneteenth celebrations and potentially extending over Father’s Day. Emergency crews across Florida worked tirelessly to control the fires sparked by a lightning strike that set the dry brush on fire near Doral on June 15. Despite their efforts, thousands of acres remain affected, and the full containment of the fires is uncertain.

Current Containment Status

Out of four wildfires identified in the region, three continued to burn as of Friday. The Doral Well 13 and Quarry 2 fires were 55% and 80% contained, respectively. Combined, they have burned over 18,000 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service. The Quarry 2 fire caused the closure of southbound Turnpike lanes and led to evacuations in nearby trailer parks and fishing camps along Krome Avenue. The Florida Department of Transportation reported that all sections of Krome Avenue between Tamiami Trail and Okeechobee Road remain closed. Meanwhile, the 4,000-acre Coptic blaze in Everglades National Park is less than half contained, based on data from the National Interagency Fire Center. Efforts from first responders, along with changing weather patterns, have somewhat improved air quality in the region.

Impact on Air Quality

According to AirNow.gov, smoke plumes are moving north and slightly east, affecting fewer cities compared to previous days. The air quality monitor nearest to the fires recorded the worst pollution levels on June 17. These levels have since varied, influenced by wind direction, weather changes, and efforts to control the fires. Although the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office strongly recommended evacuations, no further orders have been issued. An air quality monitor in Hialeah, situated at the Florida Turnpike and Okeechobee Road intersection, provides data showing how air quality has changed during the wildfire incidents.

Guidelines for Safety from Wildfire Smoke

Individuals planning outdoor activities during the holiday weekend should monitor air quality, especially those with heart or lung conditions, as well as households with children or elders. Avoid exposure by seeking alternative routes to the Turnpike when traveling to or from Miami. The Environmental Protection Agency advises staying indoors as the best measure against wildfire smoke. Masks, particularly tight-fitting N95 or P100 respirators with two straps, are recommended to mitigate particle inhalation.

Reporter: Allison Beck, an award-winning journalist from Coral Springs News, a sister publication of the Miami Herald, is a proud graduate of Temple University with a diverse reporting background.