MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Two wildfires burned on Wednesday afternoon in western Miami-Dade County, and smoke polluted the air in South Florida. This raised health and safety concerns.
Carolina Herrera said she lives with an autoimmune condition that increased her sensitivity to the smoke. She was walking her dog in her community near the Turnpike in Miami-Dade.
“At least the last three days, my eyes have been itchier than usual,” Herrera said.
The first of two wildfires started during a thunderstorm on Sunday after lightning struck near the Metrowest Detention Center, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah.
“The Florida Forest Service had responded to the call. They began working the fire as of Sunday,” Jadallah said. “On Monday, the fire began to get a little bit bigger, they requested resources.”
The two wildfires had burned 13,900 acres as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Forest Service.
The larger wildfire was 30% contained and had burned 13,400 acres, and the smaller wildfire, which started on Tuesday, was 25% contained, and had burned 500 acres, according to FFS.
The smoke prompted a “moderate” air quality alert in South Florida, which impacts those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
MDFR personnel warned that the smoke was lifting as temperatures increased and asked residents to “limit time outdoors, keep doors and windows closed, and set air conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air.
MDFR deployed about seven dozen units to the area of Northwest 137 Avenue and 25 Street, according to the active dispatch calls log.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies asked people to avoid the area and slowing down to take pictures.
Drivers reported the smoke affected visibility early on Wednesday morning along the Florida Turnpike near Hialeah.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Florida Highway Patrol temporarily closed and reopened Krome Avenue at mile marker 23.
Useful link: Temporary road closures possible
Related social media posts
MDFR continues to work alongside the @FlForestService to battle the two brush fires in western Miami-Dade County.
— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) June 17, 2026
MDFR has deployed multiple resources to support firefighting efforts, including water tender trucks to provide steady water supply, and fire engines working to… pic.twitter.com/zy1dASlLYN
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and @FLForestService continue battling two grass fires in West Miami-Dade near NW 137 Avenue and NW 41 Street, and NW 122 Avenue and NW 58 Street.
— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) June 17, 2026
As temperatures rise throughout the day, smoke is expected to lift, but those in nearby communities may… pic.twitter.com/IjBkv9NYdu
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