Emerging
Jun 18, 20261
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Three wildfires near Everglades force major road closures across Miami-Dade and Broward counties
Three wildfires near the Everglades have forced major road closures in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with the largest, the Quarry 2 Fire, burning over 15,900 acres and 50% contained. Lightning strikes near Metro West Detention Center on Sunday sparked the blazes, which have sent thick smoke across South Florida affecting air quality and visibility for residents.
Quick Facts
Who
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
What
Three wildfires ignited
When
Sunday (lightning strikes)
Where
Everglades
- Three wildfires ignited
- Road closures implemented
- Smoke and ash reported across region
- Evacuation orders issued
- Power outages occurred
Three large wildfires burning near the Everglades in west Miami-Dade have forced significant road closures and sparked health concerns due to thick smoke billowing across South Florida. The Quarry 2 Fire, which ignited on Monday after lightning strikes near Metro West Detention Center, has scorched over 15,900 acres—roughly equivalent to the size of Hialeah—and is approximately 50% contained as of Wednesday. The Well Fire, which ignited Tuesday afternoon, has burned about 500 acres and is 25% contained. A third fire, the Coptic Fire, was reported Wednesday evening and is currently burning 50 acres south of the other two blazes.
The fires have triggered extensive transportation disruptions across the region. The Florida Department of Transportation closed all northbound and southbound lanes of Krome Avenue between Tamiami Trail and Okeechobee Road due to severely reduced visibility from heavy smoke. Additionally, US Highway 27 was closed southbound at Pines Boulevard in Pembroke Pines. Traffic is being rerouted based on fire perimeter, smoke direction, and real-time visibility conditions, with officials urging motorists to check fuel levels, drive alertly, and be prepared for changing speed limits.
Residents in affected areas have reported seeing ash falling from the sky and smelling smoke as far as Broward County. Some residents were evacuated Wednesday afternoon, with at least one family losing power to their home. According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah, the Quarry 2 Fire and Well Fire are interconnected despite having two names. The Florida Forest Service initially responded but requested assistance from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
Weather conditions are complicating firefighting efforts. Calm winds are causing smoke to remain stagnant over affected areas, though meteorologists predicted wind shifts to carry smoke northeastward into more populated regions. Forecasters noted that anticipated afternoon and evening rain would be insufficient to significantly impact the fires. Air quality in the region has been rated as moderate, and officials continue to monitor conditions as containment efforts proceed.
Why This Matters
These wildfires directly threaten transportation infrastructure, air quality, and public health across densely populated Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Residents and commuters must prepare for ongoing road closures, air quality warnings, and potential evacuations. Real-time monitoring of fire containment and weather patterns is critical for safety planning and emergency response coordination.