3 wildfires burn over 20,000 acres in Miami-Dade ahead of long-awaited rain

Crews were making progress as they battled three brush fires in western Miami-Dade County on Friday, tackling hotspots and turning off power to help put the flames out.

Firefighters have worked for almost a week in uncomfortable heat to increase containment and keep flames from two fires away from people and businesses. On Wednesday, around 200 residents were evacuated and on Thursday, one firefighter was injured while battling the Quarry 2 fire and hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Now, a third blaze is also burning. But the rain that could make the difference in the firefight may not be far off.

What fires are burning?

The Quarry 2 fire had reached around 17,200 acres by Thursday night and was about 75% contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

The Florida Forest Service said it responded to the blaze on Sunday, after it originated from a thunderstorm and lightning strike.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said its crews started battling it in the area of Northwest 137th Avenue and Northwest 25th Street on Monday.

A second fire, the Well Fire, was discovered on Thursday, has burned 1,310 acres and was 50% contained at last update earlier this week.

A third fire, the Coptic Fire, was discovered on Wednesday. It has burned 1,680 acres, is 40% contained and is being handled by the U.S. Forest Service since it’s burning on federal land.

200 residents evacuated; businesses feel the heat

Officials said Wednesday that around 200 residents of nearby Mack’s Fish Camp voluntarily evacuated and many were moved to a nearby fairgrounds while some went to live with family members. Some residents were encouraged to leave but chose to stay, officials said.

“No electricity. Can’t stay where there’s no electric; I need my air conditioning,” one resident, Lisa, said after leaving her home. “I packed my medicine, and my milk that’s going bad from the refrigerator that’s been off for four hours, and my tea, and here we are.”

Maurice Cullen, of Everglades Airboat Expeditions, said the longer the fires burn, the fewer customers he’ll see.

“It’s not good for business, it definitely stops everybody going to the Everglades,” he said. “It’s never good, but this is natural. This is a normal cycle out in the Everglades.”

No injuries have been reported, but people with respiratory conditions in the area were advised to stay indoors and recirculate the air from their air conditioners.

Officials wait for rain amid a heat index up to 110 degrees

Hundreds of staff, including Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue and the National Guard are all working alongside the Forest Service to put the flames out.

Officials say the biggest factor right now is the weather.

“We’re just hitting it hard with everything we have with our partners,” Patrick Mahoney said. “We need a weeklong, multi-day long rain event to really get us out of this.”

Fortunately, Friday could see some storms late in the afternoon and evening, which would kick off a wetter pattern for two or three days, NBC6 Meteorologist Adam Berg forecasts. The NWS says the rain on Friday will be “mainly focused over inland SoFlo.”

Winds have also remained calm, which is good because strong gusts could spread flames dangerously fast.

A heat advisory will be in effect again from noon until 7 p.m. in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, the National Weather Service said Friday. While not directly related to the fires, it makes the firefight more uncomfortable for first responders.

Heat indices up to 110° are possible.

Road closures

Krome Avenue remains shut down in both directions. The Miccosukee Police Department advised drivers to “avoid the area, expect delays, and seek alternate routes until further notice.”

Pembroke Pines Police said Wednesday afternoon that U.S. Highway 27 southbound was also closed at Pines Boulevard due to the fire, but the roadway reopened later in the evening, police said.

Air quality improves

The National Weather Service warns that as smoke disperses, air quality may be reduced across the region.

Still, the air quality has improved from “unhealthy” in the areas closest to the fires on Wednesday to “good” or “moderate” on Friday, according to the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.

More sensitive groups “should consider reducing outdoor activity” and go inside for cleaner air in the event of symptoms.

How to stay safe amid smoky conditions

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said smoke can reduce visibility on the road and cause respiratory issues. Authorities suggest that:

• If you must drive through smoke or haze, use extra caution, increase your following distance, and use low-beam headlights.
• If smoke is present in your area, limit time outdoors, keep doors and windows closed, and set air conditioning systems to recirculate indoor air. These precautions are especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions.