Miami wildfires near full containment after days of road closures, evacuations and smoke

The two largest wildfires that have burned across western Miami-Dade for days are now nearing full containment, a major milestone after an intense week of firefighting that forced evacuations, road closures and air quality concerns across South Florida.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Quarry 2 Fire, which has burned about 20,000 acres west of Doral and Sweetwater, was 97% contained. The nearby Well Fire, which has scorched more than 2,700 acres, was 85% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service. Officials said containment efforts continue on the remaining hot spots, but conditions have improved significantly.

The progress allowed crews to reopen all southbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike that had been closed between Okeechobee Road (U.S. 27) and Northwest 41st Street to support firefighting operations. Krome Avenue, however, remained closed between Okeechobee Road and Southwest 8th Street through Saturday evening.

The Coptic Fire has burned about 5,700 acres and was 60% contained as of Sunday afternoon.

Earlier this week, thick smoke from the fires and intentionally set backfires used to contain the blazes forced major traffic disruptions across western Miami-Dade, sending drivers onto congested surface streets and prompting evacuation orders for some residents.

Residents forced to flee as wildfires burned across South Florida

As the Quarry 2 and Well fires were raging across the South Florida landscape, local officials were urging residents in the area to grab what they could and get out of the area.

"We all had to leave from the trailers," a resident named Roxana said. "Basically, they said that they were starting another fire to control the other one. So, everyone had to leave. They're making everyone leave."

Marshall Jones, who owns Mack's Fish Camp and Jones Trailer Park, described the scene as the blaze neared the conservation area.

"The smoke density here was chokeable. The visibility was down to maybe 100 feet, and the ability to breathe normally was very impeded by how heavy the smoke was," Jones said.

Jones remained on-site to assist fire rescue crews in positioning equipment. 

"It was just a very rapid-paced, hairy scenario. Everybody was on edge because the fire was about to jump Krome Avenue into the conservation area," he said. "When that happened, the fuel on this side of the levee is even more than on the other side, so we were bracing for the worst-case scenario."

Wildfire smoke in Miami-Dade, Broward led to air quality concerns

The Quarry and Well wildfires created challenges for firefighters and health concerns for residents as the smoke and ash drifted across South Florida.

"Smoke can travel for miles impacting air quality. Smoke from brush fires contains small particles and some pollutants that can affect your overall health but especially your lungs," MDFR's Erika Benitez said.

Officials urged people near the smoke to keep doors and windows closed and remain inside. As Father's Day is Sunday, the holiday could look a bit different. 

"Better stay home than go outside, maybe get barbecue," Luis Quintero said.