MIAMI.– Miami-Dade authorities closed Krome Avenue in both directions this Wednesday, between Tamiami Trail and US-27, due to a wildfire known as Quarry 2, which has already devastated more than 7,500 acres in the west of the county and barely reaches 30% containment.
The fire, which broke out on Monday near Doral due to a lightning strike, caused traffic to be diverted due to poor visibility and pushed dense columns of smoke and ash towards communities in Miami-Dade and Broward.
A fire that advances without respite
Quarry 2 originated Monday afternoon near Northwest 137th Avenue and 41st Street, west of Doral. What began as a reported 600 acres quickly grew to more than 7,500, fueled by dry Everglades vegetation, low humidity, and severe drought conditions.
The Florida Forest Service warned that the fire could spread to 12,000 acres if rain does not arrive.
“It’s going strong. It has a lot of ground ahead to burn,” said Kevin MacEwen of the Florida Forest Service. “If it doesn’t get rain, it will burn for several days and get much bigger.”
Krome Avenue closure and detours
The Florida Department of Transportation ordered the total closure of Krome Avenue, north and south, between Tamiami Trail and US-27, due to reduced visibility due to smoke.
Miccosukee Police asked drivers to avoid the area and look for alternate routes, while Miami-Dade Fire Rescue urged those who must travel through smoky areas to slow down, use low beams and keep distance between vehicles.
Adding to traffic concerns was fear that the wind would push the flames toward populated areas. “The main concern is that the northerly winds will bring the fire closer to Southwest 8th Street and, with this, reach the Tamiami Trail and affect structures in this area,” said Battalion Chief Abel Fernández.
Smoke, ash and health alerts
Smoke moved across large areas of Miami-Dade and Broward. Residents reported ash fall and burning smell.
Air quality remained at moderate levels, according to authorities, who asked the population to stay inside their homes, with doors and windows closed and the air conditioning in recirculation mode.
The region is also under a heat warning, with wind chills of up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Smoke can travel for kilometers and affect air quality. It contains small particles and pollutants that damage health, especially the lungs,” explained Erika Benítez, from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
In turn, Dr. Eric Basan, deputy medical director of emergency services at Memorial Hospital, warned that “if you can smell the smoke, it means that the smoke is already reaching your lungs.”
Resource deployment
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue teams are fighting the flames by air and ground with support from the Air Rescue North and Air Rescue South units.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Forest Service added resources to the water releases, and the response was raised to a third alarm.
A second fire, called the Well Fire, broke out Tuesday near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street; It consumed nearly 500 acres and is at 25% containment. So far no injuries have been reported.
“Limit your time outdoors. If you are inside, close the doors and keep the windows closed,” recommended Michael Eng, chief of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Operations Division.
The authorities anticipate several days of work before achieving complete control of the fire.
