MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — As three wildfires burned on Thursday in Miami-Dade County, fire rescue personnel flew to the rural area in a helicopter to rush a Florida Forest Service firefighter to a hospital in Aventura.
According to a spokesperson for the Florida Forest Service, the man appeared to have suffered an allergic reaction while working as a firefighter near Krome Avenue’s Mile Marker 33.
The FFS firefighter was alert, and his vital signs were stable before Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel flew him to the HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, according to the FFS.
Patrick Mahoney, a wildfire mitigation specialist and spokesman for FFS, said the drought is mostly to blame for the triple trouble that firefighters faced.
TRIPLE TROUBLE
The wildfire, known as “Quarry 2,” east of Krome Avenue, has been the most damaging.
MDFR personnel reported it started with lightning on Sunday near the Metrowest Detention Center, west of Doral. As of Thursday afternoon, it had burned 15,900 acres and was 70% contained, according to FFS.
A wildfire, known as “Well,” also east of Krome Avenue, near the Florida Turnpike, had burned 500 acres and was 25% contained, according to FFS.
A wildfire, known as “Coptic,” was west of Krome Avenue and south of the Tamiami Trail, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. It had burned about 340 acres, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which monitors air quality.
HEALTH RISKS
Aside from the flames’ heat, firefighters were also dealing with a heat index of over 100 degrees and a heat advisory that increased the risks of outdoor activity on Thursday in South Florida.
While southeastern winds may have kept smoke away from the metro area, winds could veer more southernly from Thursday night to Friday morning — and push smoke pollution closer to the metro area, according to the National Weather Service.
MDFR personnel also warned that shifting wind conditions could cause smoke from the wildfires to drift into nearby communities and pollute air quality, so residents should “limit time outdoors, keep windows and doors closed,” and set air-conditioners to recirculate.
“It’s going to be a while before the smoke is gone because you need a ton of rain to come in,” Mahoney said.
The Local 10 News Weather Authority team forecasts a 40% chance of rain on Friday in South Florida.
Local 10 News Assignment Editor Carson Merlo contributed to this report.
Related reports
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- Wildfires prompt evacuations and road closures in South Florida
- Fire chief warns Miami-Dade smoke pollution keeps moving to Broward
- 2 wildfires burn 16,400 acres in western Miami-Dade
Related social media posts
3 Wildfires are continuing to burn this afternoon across western Miami-Dade County with smoke visible on traffic cameras & radar.
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) June 18, 2026
SE winds have kept the smoke away from the metro today, however winds may veer more southerly overnight bringing smoke back closer to the metro. pic.twitter.com/rWG4Yo3jro
As MDFR and @FlForestService continue battling the grass fires in West Miami-Dade, those in surrounding areas may see a large column of smoke. Stay updated on air conditions by monitoring air quality reports. If wind direction changes and smoky conditions affect your area, stay… pic.twitter.com/t7GW5HSC0f
— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) June 18, 2026
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