Doral trash fire still burns as schools close early, residents told to stay indoors
As the Doral trash fire keeps burning for the sixth day, area schools closed early and residents are being told to try to stay inside as air quality becomes a larger concern.
Miami-Dade firefighters had to pause from fighting the fire at Miami-Dade County’s trash incinerator in Doral around 5 a.m. Friday to remove some of the walls and remove some trash, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Raied “Ray” Jadallah said during a press conference.
This allowed for smoke to increase and the EPA to see a higher concentration of particles in some areas, something not seen in the last 72 hours, an EPA representative said.
Firefighters started to put water on the blaze again around 1 p.m.
In an abundance of caution, and based on the EPA readings, Miami-Dade is recommending all residents living between Northwest 74th Street and Northwest 92nd Street, and Northwest 92nd Avenue to Northwest 112th Avenue, remain inside on Friday.
Officials say to run your AC at home to recirculate air and roll up your vehicle windows if you are driving through.
Wearing a mask is recommended for young children, expectant mothers, older adults and people with preexisting respiratory and cardiac conditions.
“The key message to the community with regards to safety and keeping people well is avoidance of the smoke wherever possible,” said Dr. Hany Atallah, the chief medical officer at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools also started early dismissal for students at Ronald Reagan Senior High School and Andrea Castillo Preparatory Academy. Outdoor activities have also been canceled.
Doral Glades Park and Doral Legacy Park also closed Friday and all scheduled outdoor events throughout the city will be rescheduled.
