Collier County brush fire shuts down multiple roads, causes evacuations

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NAPLES, Fla. — An 10-acre brush fire shut down N.E. 6th, 8th and 10th avenues east of Everglades Boulevard on Saturday, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

The North Collier Fire District dispatched 11 fire engines and the Florida Forest Service sent three bulldozer tractors to battle the fire.

Fire crews believe the fire started at N.E. 10th Ave. and the wind was blowing the flames south, causing four homes to be evacuated.

Tracy Yager, a local resident, was worried because the fire was only 200 feet from her home.

“Should I water down my house, should I take my animals, what should I do,” Yager said. “I was also worried about my neighbors because they’re not as protected as we are. It was very close.”

North Collier Fire Chief James Cunningham said the fire spread rapidly due to a combination of strong winds, cool temperatures and low humidity.

No injuries were reported and no homes were lost. However, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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