QUARRY 2 (13)

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The QUARRY 2 Fire originally ignited on Sunday, June 14, 2026, during a thunderstorm, before growing and splitting into distinct incidents by Monday, June 15. The fire is located in west Miami-Dade County, Florida, near Northwest 137th Avenue and Northwest 41st Street.
Size and Containment: As of Saturday, June 20, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 17,200 to 19,000 acres and is currently estimated to be between 80% and 97% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire ignited in the grassy flats near the Everglades and has been primarily fueled by dry grass and brush. Driven by extreme heat and exceptionally dry conditions, the fire grew rapidly earlier in the week from an initial 600 acres to over 15,000 acres, sending thick plumes of smoke over South Florida.
Containment Efforts: A Unified Command is in place involving Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR), the Florida Forest Service, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, the Florida Department of Emergency Management, and the National Guard. Over 40 units have been deployed, including fire engines, water tender trucks, and air rescue units conducting aerial water drops using Bambi buckets. Firefighters have also utilized "back burns" to eliminate fuel and stop the fire's forward progress. Recent rainfall has additionally aided containment efforts.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for this incident.
Evacuation Warnings: A voluntary evacuation was issued earlier in the week for approximately 200 residents of a trailer park community (Jones Fish Camp / Mack's Fish Camp) near Krome Avenue out of an abundance of caution due to heavy smoke, soot, and ash. As of Saturday, June 20, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office announced that these evacuees are allowed to return to their homes.
Curfew: There are no curfews in place for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Residents were temporarily relocated for their safety, but with the lifting of the voluntary evacuations, sheltering operations are concluding.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Krome Avenue has been closed in both directions between Tamiami Trail (Southwest 8th Street) and Okeechobee Road / U.S. 27 due to reduced visibility from heavy smoke. It is expected to reopen later today.
• Southbound lane closures on Florida's Turnpike from Okeechobee Road to Northwest 41st Street have recently reopened.
• The Trail Glades public shooting range, located off Krome Avenue, remains closed through the weekend.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Updates
• Miami-Dade County Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the QUARRY 2 Fire.
Structures Impacted: No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. Firefighters have successfully protected nearby properties, though flames burned perilously close to power lines earlier in the week.
School and Business Closures: The Trail Glades public shooting range is closed. No major school closures have been reported.
Notable Impacts: The fire has produced massive plumes of smoke that drifted into Broward County, significantly reducing visibility and nearly eclipsing the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from view. Ash and soot have been reported settling on vehicles in neighboring communities like Miramar.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no widespread power outages, though earlier in the week, utility workers had to monitor and isolate sections of high-voltage power lines near the fire to protect first responders.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: While no specific county-issued burn bans are noted in immediate relation to this fire, standard fire restrictions and cautions apply due to the dry brush conditions.
Air Quality: An air quality alert has been issued by the Miami-Dade County Division of Environmental Resources Management and the Broward County Natural Resources Division, in effect until 10:00 a.m. Sunday. Thick smoke can cause itchy, watery eyes, sore throats, and exacerbate respiratory issues. Residents are advised to limit time outdoors, keep doors and windows closed, and set home and vehicle air conditioning systems to recirculate air.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have gained significant ground, reaching up to 97% containment. While recent heavy rains have helped suppress the flames, crews remain on the scene to monitor for hot spots and ensure the fire perimeter is fully secured.
Weather and Wind Warnings: As weather and wind conditions shift, residents and visitors may continue to see or smell smoke. Shifting winds could push smoke closer to the ground overnight, leading to hazy conditions and reduced visibility on local roadways.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The fire was sparked by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm on Sunday, June 14.
Weather and Climate: The ignition and rapid spread of the fire were heavily influenced by extreme weather conditions. South Florida has been experiencing a dangerous heatwave and prolonged dry conditions. The intense heat baked the local vegetation, turning the grassy flats into highly combustible fuel. These extremely dry conditions, combined with gusty winds, allowed the fire to spread rapidly before recent rains assisted in containment.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Updates
• Miami-Dade County Emergency Management