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A large brush fire forced the closure of Krome Avenue in both directions and the evacuation of residents in the west of Miami-Dade County on Wednesday, according to local authorities and the Florida Highway Patrol.
The fire, identified as Quarry 2, has been burning since Monday and has already consumed 13,400 acres with only about 30% containment, according to the Florida Forest Service.
A second fire, called Well Fire, broke out on Tuesday in a nearby area and has burned an additional 500 acres, with 25% containment.
The Miccosukee Police Department executed the closure of Krome Avenue at the request of the Highway Patrol and the Forest Service, blocking the road from SW 8 Street to NW 25.
"The Krome Avenue is currently closed in both directions," confirmed the Miccosukee Police, whose reservation directly borders the affected area.
Authorities recommend that drivers avoid the area, anticipate delays, and seek alternate routes, and suggest checking FL511.com for updates on road conditions.
The incident was raised to a level three alarm, which involved a significant mobilization of resources. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue deployed approximately seven ground units, tankers, and fire engines, with support from the Florida Forest Service and Broward County Sheriff’s deputies.
The helicopter from Telemundo 51 also captured the moment when two helicopters from the United States Army joined the firefighting efforts.
The columns of smoke are visible as far southwest as Broward County, and the communities of Hialeah, Doral, Hialeah Gardens, and Medley have been directly affected. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue warned that "as temperatures rise throughout the day, the smoke is expected to lift, and some haze and smoke may continue to affect the surrounding communities."
The spokesperson for the fire department, Erika Benítez, advised those with respiratory issues to "eliminate their exposure to smoke" and stay at home.
The National Meteorological Service issued an air quality alert especially aimed at individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, seniors, and minors, while the Environmental Protection Agency advised against outdoor activities in South Florida.
As of the time of the report, the two active fires in Miami-Dade had not caused any damaged structures or injuries.
The Quarry 2 fire originated on Monday near NW 137th Avenue and NW 41st Street, under red flag conditions—low humidity and strong winds—and although it reached 60% containment that same afternoon, it reactivated and grew exponentially in the following days.
The previous fire in the area, reported on Monday in the western part of the county, had already raised alarms about the extreme drought conditions affecting the region.
This fire season is the most active in over a decade in Florida: since January 2026, more than 1,916 fires have burned approximately 120,000 acres across the state, amid a backdrop where over 70% of Florida’s territory is under extreme or exceptional drought conditions, with precipitation 50% below average since September 2025.
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