UPDATE: Florida Forest Service Continues to Battle 8,663-acre Wildfire in Collier County

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Forest Service continues to battle a major wildfire in Collier County in Southwest Florida and is asking motorists and residents to remain clear of the area.

Two wildfires broke out Wednesday afternoon in the Golden Gate community in central Collier County, Florida, west of the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. These fires were aided by high winds and extremely low humidity and have grown to 8,663 acres. Due to their close proximity, the wildfires are now being reported as one fire, the 36^th Ave SE Fire. Additionally, crews responded to spot fires south of I-75 on the Picayune Strand State Forest.

The Florida Forest Service (FFS) is working in unified command with local fire and emergency responders, including the Greater Naples Fire Rescue, North Collier Fire Rescue, Marco Island Fire Rescue, Collier County Emergency Management, Collier County Sheriff’s Office and many others. Crews are continuing to improve established fire containment lines and undertake mop-up operations on hot spots continuing to smolder. Wildfire risk remains high with low humidity and no rain forecasted.

Resources: Over the course of the fire, FFS has deployed 146 personnel, an Incident Management Team, multiple dozer strike teams, sixteen tractor/plow units from across the state, three single engine air tankers, one fixed wing aircraft, and four helicopters, including the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Air Rescue 1. The Florida Fire Chiefs Association is securing resources to provide additional structure protection. Fixed wing aircraft continue to patrol the area. Residents are reminded that operating drones in the fire zone is prohibited.

A map of the fire-impacted area may be viewed here.

Containment: As of 8:00 PM ET, the #36thAveSEFire is estimated at 8,663 acres and 40 percent contained.

Evacuations: ALL EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN LIFTED. Residents returning home are reminded to stay vigilant and remain out of active fire areas and away from fire lines, for their safety and the safety of first responders. To receive emergency alerts from Collier County Emergency Management, visit ALERT Collier to sign up. Residents experiencing power outages in the area should contact Florida Power & Light at 1-800-4-OUTAGE.

Road Closures: There are currently no road closures. I-75 (Alligator Alley) is now open. Heavy smoke continues to impact the area, and motorists are urged to use caution.

Video/Photos: Video and photos from the wildfire can be found here as well as on Twitter and on Facebook.

“This extremely dangerous wildfire remains a threat and can change rapidly due to dry conditions, so everyone in the affected area should follow directions from state and local officials,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “All residents and travelers should closely monitor the media for updates on the wildfire and road conditions. We thank our brave local and wildland firefighters and first responders for working swiftly to control this wildfire.”

“Due to the elevated fire threat across the state, I urge all residents to be aware, exercise caution and avoid outdoor burning,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “We are in the peak of our year-round fire activity, and current weather conditions will only add to the existing fire danger.”

Media with additional questions should contact Florida Forest Service Green IMT Lead PIO Ludie Bond at 352-258-6084. Updates may also be found on Twitter at @FFS_CAFC, @FLForestService, and @FDACS.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.

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