A junkyard fire in Opa-locka on Monday forced evacuations, spread to several businesses and expanded to what the Miami-Dade Fire Chief called “one of the largest fires that we’ve encountered.”
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Authorities said the call came in shortly after 5 p.m. Monday, reporting multiple vehicles on fire, near the 13100 block and Cairo Lane.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) said the junkyard fire was upgraded from a third- to a sixth-alarm, as crews requested additional resources, and more than 80 fire rescue units responded. Fire departments categorize the severity of fires with “alarms,” which indicate the resources assigned to the blaze.
“It’s one of the largest fires that we’ve encountered,” Fire Chief Ray Jadallah said.
About 125 people living in apartments just east of the junkyard were evacuated “out of an abundance of caution,” Jadallah said. “Those community members have been moved into a center until we can get them repatriated to their homes.”
Officials said there have been no reported injuries.
Authorities warn residents about smoke in the area
Residents near the fire received text alerts warning of smoke in the area and advising them to stay indoors:
“Smoke in Area – Remain Indoors
Smoke from a fire may be impacting your area. It is recommended to stay indoors when possible, especially for people with medical or respiratory conditions aggravated by smoke. Keep windows and doors closed and set ventilation systems to recirculate indoor air. Avoid outdoor activity if smoke is present and monitor official updates.”
Several videos shared by Only in Dade show the massive fire from both the air and the ground.
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The fire spread rapidly
Jadallah said the fire escalated to a five-alarm blaze within about an hour as winds pushed embers into a second junkyard and nearby businesses.
MDFR crews worked to secure additional water supplies, including drafting water from a nearby canal to help battle the flames.
On May 25, 2026, at approximately 5:07 p.m., more than 80 Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to reports of multiple vehicles on fire near the 13100 block of Cairo Lane.#MDFR firefighters arrived and found heavy flames and smoke coming from multiple vehicles on fire at a… pic.twitter.com/iDgqgQ87LI
— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) May 26, 2026
Jadallah said a total of six businesses have been impacted by the fire, including two junkyards.
“We were tapping into many hydrants, including a canal to draft water,” Jadallah said.
Crews worked into the night to establish additional water supplies while monitoring and addressing hot spots.
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A cause of the fire remains under investigation.