WELL (13)

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The WELL (13) Fire was sparked by a lightning strike on June 15, 2026, and was officially reported on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The fire is located in West Miami-Dade County, approximately five miles west of Medley and just west of Doral, Florida.
Size and Containment: As of the latest official reports over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned approximately 1,605 acres and is currently 75% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire is burning through drought-dried brush and dense vegetation. It has exhibited active fire behavior, including backing and flanking. The spread has been heavily fueled by extremely dry conditions and shifting winds, with forestry officials noting the fire had "a lot of space to burn" in the open brush.
Containment Efforts: The response is being managed under a unified command that includes Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service. Firefighters have been working around the clock to establish containment lines. As part of their suppression strategy, emergency crews have deliberately lit strategic controlled fires to starve the main wildfire of potential fuel.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for residents in nearby trailer parks and fishing camps as emergency crews conducted strategic firing operations in the area.
Evacuation Warnings: Voluntary evacuations were strongly recommended by the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office for vulnerable populations in the immediate vicinity.
Curfew: There are no curfews reported at this time.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Residents who have been displaced should consult local authorities for the latest sheltering information, as conditions remain fluid.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• All lanes of Krome Avenue between Tamiami Trail and Okeechobee Road have been closed.
• Southbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike in the affected area have faced closures and heavy gridlock.
• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) urges motorists to exercise extreme caution, expect extended delays, ensure vehicles have adequate fuel, and consider alternate routes.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Official Updates
• Florida Department of Transportation (FL511) for Road Closures

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities directly associated with the WELL (13) Fire at this time.
Structures Impacted: While widespread structure loss has not been reported, the fire has directly threatened nearby trailer parks and local businesses, such as Mack's Fish Camp, where owners assisted arriving emergency responders in setting up heavy equipment before the fire line advanced.
School and Business Closures: No specific school closures have been announced, but local businesses near the closure zones are heavily impacted by restricted access and smoke.
Notable Impacts: Plumes of thick smoke have traveled for miles, casting a haze over the region and impacting holiday weekend celebrations. Visibility on nearby roadways has dropped to as low as 100 feet in some areas, causing traffic gridlock as drivers stop to navigate the heavy smoke.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No widespread power outages have been officially reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: Residents are reminded to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor activities that could spark a fire due to the critically dry brush.
Air Quality: Smoke from the brush fires contains small particles and pollutants that can severely affect overall health, particularly the lungs. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue advises that anyone who sees or smells smoke should stay indoors. Air quality has fluctuated depending on wind direction and weather.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters continue to work around the clock to reach full containment. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Jason Fernandez noted that atmospheric volatility and shifting winds present a significant challenge for all responders, making it difficult to predict exactly when the fire will be completely extinguished.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Shifting winds and ongoing dry conditions remain the primary weather concerns. Responders are closely monitoring wind patterns that could push the fire into unburned fuels or worsen smoke impacts in neighboring communities.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The WELL (13) Fire was sparked by a lightning strike on June 15, 2026.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being driven by severe dry conditions and drought-dried brush in the region. A lack of significant rainfall has left the local vegetation highly combustible, allowing the lightning strike to easily ignite and rapidly spread through the dense brush west of Miami.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information
• Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Official Updates
• Florida Department of Transportation (FL511) for Road Closures