Collier firefighters provide tips to protect homes from wildfires

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NAPLES, Fla. — The threat of wildfires is heating up in Southwest Florida.

Flames were contained Friday night from a brush fire at North Collier Regional Park, the North Collier Fire Rescue District said.

While no buildings were damaged, fire officials went door to door Saturday morning to make people aware about potential risk for fire in the area.

The dry weather helped spark 170 wildfires throughout the state this year, burning nearly 1,300 acres, the Florida Department of Agriculture said.

“It is a little bit dryer just as usual. That’s how things go during dry season,” said WINK News meteorologist Mary Mays.

North Collier firefighters will be conducting controlled burns for the next several weeks in order to mitigate the risk of fire.

Fire officials provide steps residents can use to better protect their homes from wildfires:

  • Keep your lawn and landscape healthy by mowing the lawn regularly, as well as watering and removing dead plants.
  • Remove dead or overhanging branches from trees.
  • Clear leaf clutter and pine needles from gutters, under the deck, and around the home.
  • Keep firewood piles, propane tanks, and other flammable items at least 30 feet away from the home.

Fire and forest officials are holding a community meeting about the threat Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the University of Florida IFAS Collier Extension on 14700 Immokalee Road.

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