Miami-Dade Wildfires: High Containment, Ongoing Concerns

Smoke rises during a brush fire on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in west Miami-Dade, just west of Doral. The fires here have burned nearly 22,000 acres since last week and were close to being contained on Monday. Yet, air quality remains a pressing issue across the county.

“Even though the containment is high, it is still burning,” stated Chris Fisher, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami. “It just means that it’s burning inside that containment.”

The Quarry Fire, located near Northwest 137th Avenue and 41st Street west of Doral, has charred around 19,000 acres. It was documented as 97% contained by Sunday, according to the Florida Forest Service fire map. Meanwhile, the Wells Fire near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street consumed about 2,750 acres and was 85% contained. A third fire, a 330-acre blaze in the Everglades, was reported as 15% contained as of Monday.

Originating from a June 14 thunderstorm, both the Quarry and Wells fires ignited and have led to extensive firefighting efforts and evacuations. Smoke, soot, and ash have been affecting nearby communities.

An air quality alert remains in effect for Miami-Dade County through 3 p.m. Tuesday. Surface smoke is expected to intensify overnight as thunderstorm winds decrease, Fisher revealed.

Forecasts by the National Weather Service indicate the possibility of showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday morning and afternoon. These will likely bring patchy smoke across metro Miami-Dade. Weather conditions are predicted to be humid with temperatures reaching highs in the mid-90s and lows in the upper-70s.

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

He recommended people limit outdoor activities during the evening and early morning. Wherever possible, staying indoors and keeping windows closed is advisable. Individuals with respiratory sensitivities and nighttime outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable.