Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service teams are continuing efforts to put out two grass fires in western Miami-Dade. The thick smoke has drifted into Broward County, triggering warnings from emergency officials.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah said Broward County residents are being warned about the vast plumes of smoke from the wildfires.
“The smoke will continue to push northward ... the way that it continues to push is towards the north or slightly towards the northwest,” Jadallah said.
The "Quarry 2 Fire," near Northwest 137th Avenue and 41st Street, is massive, covering about 4,000 acres and was only 30% contained as of Wednesday morning, according to MDFR officials.
The "Well Fire, is about 500 acres and is situated at NW 122 Avenue and NW 58 Street." MDFR officials said early Wednesday morning that it was 25% contained.
The large fires prompted authorities to shut down all northbound lanes on Krome Avenue.
"The fire is mostly contained to one area and remains away from any nearby structures. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Air Rescue Unit continues conducting water drops with multiple crews on the ground supporting their containment efforts. As firefighting operations continue, changing wind conditions may cause smoke to move into nearby communities," said MDFR Division Chief Ralph Baena.
Fire-Rescue officials recommend that residents and commuters in the area keep their windows and doors closed and set air conditioners to re-circulate air. And avoid spending extended periods outside as smoky conditions continue.
READ MORE: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue teams work to put out a wildfire near Doral
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