Florida Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Florida - June 20, 2026

Overview

Florida is facing a severe and volatile wildfire environment due to an ongoing, stubborn drought and critically low relative humidity. A lack of tropical moisture in the previous season, combined with winter freezes that killed off vegetation, has left the state parched. The current wildfire season is exceptionally active, with over 120,000 acres burned statewide this year. The environment remains highly conducive to rapid wildfire spread, particularly in South Florida, where deep drought conditions persist.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Wildfire activity remains intense, particularly in South Florida's Miami-Dade County, where several large fires have ignited or expanded over the past 72 hours. State and local fire rescue teams, supported by National Guard helicopters, are actively engaged in suppression efforts. Thick smoke has led to the closure of major roadways, including portions of Krome Avenue and U.S. 27, and prompted voluntary evacuations in nearby communities due to encroaching flames and hazardous visibility.

Key Fires:

• Quarry 2 Fire: Ignited by a lightning strike, this is the largest active blaze in Miami-Dade County. It has burned approximately 15,900 to 16,000 acres and is currently 70% contained. The fire is feeding on dry Everglades vegetation, grassy flats, and deep layers of organic peat and muck. Aerial water drops are heavily utilized due to the difficult, marshy terrain. Evacuations of nearby trailer parks and residential areas have taken place.
• Coptic Fire: Also burning in Miami-Dade County, this rapidly spreading fire has consumed roughly 1,680 acres and currently sits at 0% containment. Crews are working aggressively to establish firelines.
• Well Fire: Burning to the northeast of the Quarry 2 incident, this fire has reached 1,340 acres and is 50% contained.
• Pace Court Fire: Located in Putnam County in North Florida, this 343-acre fire has been burning since January. While mostly contained, it continues to smolder deep underground in decaying surface duff, pine needles, and roots, creating long-term smoke management challenges for the area.
• West of a Fire: A smaller 51-acre fire burning further south in Everglades National Park, which is currently 90% contained.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Fire crews are actively utilizing back-burning tactics to eliminate dry vegetation and cut off the advance of the major fires in South Florida. By intentionally burning fuels ahead of the main fire lines, responders aim to slow the spread toward populated areas and critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, widespread burn bans have been implemented across numerous counties statewide to prevent human-caused ignitions during this extreme dry spell.

Air Quality: Smoke from the active fires is causing significant air quality issues across northern Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Health officials have warned of increased fatigue, irritated sinuses, headaches, and asthma attacks. Residents with respiratory sensitivities are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: South Florida remains exceptionally dry, having recorded significant rainfall deficits over the last six months. The lack of typical wet-season moisture continues to leave vegetation critically dry.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning covering a large portion of South Florida, including Miami-Dade and Broward counties, extending northward to the Lake Okeechobee area. This warning highlights the critical combination of warm temperatures, strong wind gusts, and very low humidity, which creates prime conditions for rapid and uncontrollable fire spread over the next operational period.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to avoid closed roadways to allow emergency personnel to work safely and maneuver heavy equipment. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, adhere to all local evacuation orders, and strictly obey county burn bans. Homeowners should create defensible space by clearing dead vegetation and debris from around their properties.
Resource Allocation: More than 100 firefighters, along with specialized wildfire suppression equipment, water tenders, and aviation assets, have been deployed to combat the blazes. Agencies are prioritizing aerial operations and defensive back-burning to protect residential areas.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
Florida Disaster Information: www.floridadisaster.org
Florida Forest Service Wildfire Information: www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.