Crews now battling 2 Everglades wildfires near Doral as thick smoke and ash impact air quality
Crews in west Miami-Dade are continuing their battle against the Quarry 2 wildfire, which broke out on Monday afternoon, and now battling the Well wildfire, which broke out on Tuesday, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and impacting air quality in surrounding communities.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Quarry 2 wildfire has scorched about 3,500 acres and was only 20% contained, according to Florida's Active Wildfire Points map. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials fear the fire could grow to 12,000 acres given its location and the current dry conditions.
"It's burning pretty good. It's got a lot of space to burn," said Kevin MacEwen of the Florida Forest Service. "If we don't get some rain on it, it's going to burn for a few days and get much bigger than that."
The Well wildfire has scorched about 450 acres and was only 10% contained.
The Quarry 2 brush fire broke out Monday around 3 p.m. just west of Doral, near Northwest 137th Avenue and Northwest 41st Street. Dozens of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Florida Forest Service responded to the scene to fight the blaze.
When crews arrived, they were met with heavy smoke and flames in the area. Additional crews were immediately requested to the area, including tankers and a water tender truck.
"We had both air rescue units out here earlier today using what we call the Bambi bucket, which they can fill with 300 gallons of water. They fly over the big portions of fire and then release it in order to knock it down," MDFR Chief Rogelio Vandamas said.
Mauryne Revera, who was driving nearby, said, "This is my first time seeing something like this." Revera described seeing a tower of smoke and feeling frightened by its size.
The fire continued to spread, with flames and smoke seen close to Metro West Detention Center.
Aerial images revealed flames rapidly consuming multiple acres of land, with one section burning perilously close to a group of power lines.
Well wildfire erupted just 24 hours after in the same area
About 24 hours after the Quarry 2 wildfire broke out, a smaller wildfire started burning dozens of acres near NW 122nd Avenue and 58th Street, west of the Turnpike. It was dubbed the "Well" wildfire by Florida Forest Service. State officials first reported it at 12:08 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue confirmed both fires on a post on X, warning residents near the areas that they "may see or smell smoke."
"If you see or smell smoke in your area, keep your home and vehicle windows closed and set A/C systems to recirculate. These precautions are especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions," MDFR wrote.
Florida Forest Service officials believe the fire was sparked by a lightning strike earlier in the week. No structures seem to be affected, just smoke, fire, and ash.
Crews are primarily using aerial support—including helicopters from Miami-Dade, Broward and the Forest Service—to combat the flames, as limited ground access makes the fire difficult to fight.
"The ground is too wet to put our equipment in and operate safely," MacEwen said. "Getting stuck with the active fire in the block is dangerous".
Winds from the south have pushed smoke into Broward County, leaving a haze over Pompano Beach.
"When I woke up this morning, I thought there was a fire in my neighborhood," said Pompano Beach resident Karen Powsner. "I wasn't sure, so I even took the road straight down to see where the smoke was coming from, but I didn't see where it was coming from".
Warning of health concerns for residents due to smoke and ash
The Quarry and Well wildfires continue to create challenges for firefighters and health concerns for residents as smoke drifts 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," said MDFR's Erika Benitez.
Officials urged people near the smoke to keep doors and windows closed and remain inside. Authorities also asked the public to avoid the area as firefighters work overnight to extinguish the blaze.
Dr. Eric Basan, assistant medical director for emergency services at Memorial Hospital, warned that "if you can smell the smoke, that means it's entering into your lungs." He said older adults, young children, and people with asthma, COPD or chronic bronchitis are especially vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke.
Fire officials are urging residents to take precautions. "Just limit your time outdoors," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Operations Division Chief Michael Eng. "If you're inside, please shut the doors and keep your windows closed." Health experts also recommend wearing a KN95 mask if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition and must spend time outside.