MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Firefighters continued battling two brush fires in west Miami-Dade on Wednesday, as crews worked to contain the blazes burning near Florida’s Turnpike that have now scorched more than 4,500 acres combined.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, along with the Florida Forest Service, said crews remained actively engaged with ground crews and aerial units working to suppress the fires and prevent further spread. MDFR’s Air Rescue North and Air Rescue South helicopters conducted water drop operations, supported by additional aircraft from Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service.

Officials said the larger Quarry Fire has now burned approximately 4,050 acres and was about 30 percent contained as of 8 p.m. Tuesday. The blaze is one of two fires burning near the Turnpike.

The second fire, known as the Well Fire, ignited near Northwest 122nd Avenue and 58th Street. Officials said as of late Tuesday night, it has burned about 500 acres and is approximately 25 percent contained. The cause of both fires remains under investigation.

Officials said the larger Quarry Fire has burned approximately 3,500 acres and is about 20 percent contained, while the smaller Well Fire has scorched around 450 acres and is about 10 percent contained. The cause of the fires remains under investigation. (CNN Newsource)

While firefighters focus on containment, shifting winds continue to push smoke into nearby communities and across major roadways, creating hazardous conditions for drivers, according to fire rescue.

On Wednesday, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue warned commuters traveling near the fires to expect smoky or hazy conditions that could significantly reduce visibility. Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and leave extra distance between vehicles when traveling through affected areas. Officials also recommend keeping windows closed and setting air conditioning systems to recirculate to limit smoke exposure inside vehicles.

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Overnight and early morning conditions may worsen visibility, as cooler temperatures can cause smoke to settle closer to the ground. This could impact drivers during peak commute hours and may lead to temporary road closures.

Fire Rescue says as temperatures rise throughout the day, it expects the smoke to lift, but those in nearby communities may still see or smell smoke.

Residents near the fires may continue to smell or see smoke drifting into surrounding neighborhoods. Authorities advise limiting time outdoors when smoke is present, keeping doors and windows closed, and using air conditioning systems set to recirculate indoor air. These precautions are especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions.

An air quality alert remains in effect for parts of South Florida, including Broward County, due to smoke from the fires.

Fire crews are expected to remain on scene as containment efforts continue.