The Florida Forest Service and local first responders continue efforts to contain three large wildfires in rural Collier County and more than 45 other wildfires across the state. While Florida has received recent rainfall, drought conditions and increased wildfire danger throughout the state are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The Florida Forest Service has battled over 700 wildfires across the state in 2018.
“Florida’s wildland firefighters are prepared to battle increasingly hazardous wildfires across the state. Today, the Florida Forest Service is doing everything in its power to suppress and contain current wildfires in anticipation of very poor weather conditions tomorrow, especially in southwest Florida. It’s imperative that Floridians are cautious with fire to help protect Florida’s residents, natural resources and wildland firefighters,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam.
Large Wildfires in Collier County:
The Florida Forest Service is deploying additional aviation and heavy equipment resources to support response efforts to the following wildfires:
- 116th Avenue Southeast Fire: 8,063 acres and 50 percent contained.
- Greenway Fire: 7,239 acres and 25 percent contained.
- West Boundary Fire: 2,800 acres and 50 percent contained.
The Florida Forest Service is urging residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:
- Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
- Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
- Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
- Never burn on windy days;
- Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
- Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
- Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
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. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
