MIAMI — Wildfires continued burning across parts of Florida on Sunday, with firefighters responding to multiple active blazes as dry conditions and smoke affected several communities, according to state and local fire officials. Authorities said crews were working to contain fires in areas including western Miami-Dade County and other parts of the state.
In western Miami-Dade County, the Florida Forest Service and local emergency agencies reported that several wildfires near the Everglades had burned thousands of acres by midweek. The Quarry 2 Fire, along with other nearby fires, prompted officials to monitor air quality and restrict access to some roads as smoke moved through parts of South Florida.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials said crews were assisting state forestry teams as they worked to contain the fires. “The fire has not split into two. The fire has two names. We have the Quarry 2 fire, and we also have the Well fire,” Chief Ray Jadallah said, according to CBS News Miami, explaining the naming of separate incidents in the area.
Officials said weather conditions, including dry vegetation and limited rainfall, contributed to difficult firefighting conditions. The Florida Forest Service has warned that wildfire activity can increase during periods of dry weather, particularly during the state’s spring and early summer fire season.
In Volusia County, firefighters also responded to a wildfire near the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Fire officials said the blaze was started by lightning and had burned more than 600 acres, with the Florida Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local fire crews involved in the response. Officials said no injuries were reported and no structures were threatened at the time of the update.
The National Interagency Fire Center said on Thursday that wildfire activity was increasing across multiple regions of the United States, raising the national preparedness level as agencies monitored fire conditions and resource needs.
Florida officials have advised residents in affected areas to follow local evacuation notices, avoid activities that could create sparks and monitor air quality alerts. Health officials have warned that wildfire smoke can affect sensitive groups, including people with respiratory conditions, depending on local conditions.
On Monday, emergency crews continued monitoring active fire locations across Florida and assessing containment progress. Details remain unclear on when all current fires will be fully contained, as officials said operations depend on weather conditions, fire behavior and continued firefighting efforts.
