5 brush fires spark in Collier, Hendry counties

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Photo via Twitter/Immokalee Fire Control District

Fire crews are working to extinguish the flames of five brush fires Wednesday in Collier and Hendry counties, the Florida Forest Service said.

Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, Florida Forest Service, Immokalee Fire Control District, and a chopper with Collier County are on scene.

Two other brush fires are burning, according to fire officials, but information on the exact locations and amounts of acreage were unclear.

The cause of the fires are also unclear.

Collier County

‘Greenway fire’

The Greenway Fire has scorched 75 acres and is 85 percent contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

Samantha Quinn, a Florida Forest Service Mitigation Specialist, said the wind speed contributed to the fire’s containment percentage.

“Because of the excessive wind speeds, we did have a containment line in place, but it actually because of the winds, the fire actually jumped the containment line so that’s why the containment went down from 20 percent down to (15) percent,” Quinn said.

‘Flagpond fire’

The fire has charred 100 acres in the Picayune Strand State Forest, fire officials said. Fire officials are actively containing the brush fire.

Hendry County

‘West Boundary fire’

The fire, located near Hendry County Jail, has burned 800 acres and is 15 percent contained, according to fire officials. No structures are threatened.

Potential for fire danger across SWFL

Much of South Florida is under a Red Flag warning Wednesday due to low relative humidity and high winds.


Quinn advised Southwest Florida residents to be prepared in the event of an evacuations.

Ready, set, go: Planning, preparation tips ahead of fire season

Southwest Florida residents living near a wooded area are encouraged to plan and prepare ahead of fire season.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, it’s up to homeowners to thoroughly protect their family, home and property in case of a wildfire emergency.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers a personal wildfire action plan called “Ready, Set, Go!” which includes the following categories:

  • Wildland Urban Interface
  • What is Defensible Space
  • Making Your Home Fire Resistant
  • Get Set – Prepare Your Family
  • As the Fire Approaches Checklist
  • Go Early Checklist
  • Your Own Wildfire Action Plan
  • Rural Residents and Ranchers

View the entire Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire action plan here. 

Trust WINK News for more details as information becomes available.

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