Picayune Strand fire 95 percent contained

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Jim Kurth’s home on Le Buff Road was destroyed by a brush fire on Tuesday, March 7.

NAPLES, Fla. The fire that menaced Collier County for much of last week is now 95 percent contained, the Florida Forest Service said.

All Picayune Strand State Forest recreational facilities, excluding the Belle Meade Tract equestrian trails and Kirkland Hammock camping area, have reopened to the public, according to forest service spokeswoman Samantha Quinn.

Crews have place control lines around the main fire in all associated spot fires, Quinn said.

At least 50 agencies from throughout the state worked together to contain the flames that scorchedĀ 7,230 acres. The blazeĀ caused mandatory evacuations for certain areas of Collier County and road closures for portions of Collier Boulevard, Beck Boulevard and Interstate 75.

At least fourĀ homes were destroyed in the fire, including one family who was the first to build on their street and another whose dream home went up in flames.

Approximately 1,000 structures were saved, the forest service said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

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