‘116th Avenue SE’, ‘Greenway’ fires merge as smoke causes low visibility

Crews are working to extinguish the flames of several fires burning in Collier and Hendry counties.

Eastbound US 41 was closed from San Marco Road to Port of the Islands due to zero visibility and flames near the road, but is back open as of 8 p.m. Monday.

MORE: Smoke closes Alligator Alley and US 41 in Collier County

Governor Rick Scott visited Southwest Florida and met with officials to tour the damage from the wildfires.

This morning, I met with fire officials in southwest Florida and toured the damage from the wildfires. I will continue to be in communication with the local officials to offer any state support they need. pic.twitter.com/YlfUoHPBv9

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) March 26, 2018

Officials are listing the official cause of the Flag Pond, Greenway and 116th Ave fires as lightning.

#FlagPondFire #GreenwayFire #116thAveSEFire the official cause for these #wildfires LIGHTNING #FLFire #Flwildfire pic.twitter.com/We0Z9HwtdR

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 25, 2018

Collier County

‘Greenway’ fires

The “116th Avenue Southeast” and “Greenway” fires have merged and are now being classified as the “Greenway” fire, the Florida Forest Service said Monday via Twitter.

Eight acres have jumped over a portion of U.S. 41 and is 80 percent contained, according to forest officials.

#GreenwayFire has officially jumped US-41. 8 acres have burned South of 41 and crews have the #wildfire 80% contained. No structures are threatened at this time. Roadways are still closed as firefighters work to contain the spot fire. #FLFire #Flwildfire

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 26, 2018

Officials have just confirmed #GreenwayFire has merged with #116thAveSEFire an updated map and acreage will be out soon. #GreenwayFire will now be the fire name for both #wildfires

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 26, 2018

The exact acreage of the two fires is unclear.

The “116th Avenue Southeast” fire has previously burned 8,000 acres and is 50 percent contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

#116thAveSEFire
is 8,000 acres and 50% contained. Todays weather is in our favor, containment will likely increase today. Current fire lines are holding. Great job to our wildland firefighters and @GN_Fire for all the hard work! #FLFire #Flwildfire pic.twitter.com/uIolQzFP9C

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 26, 2018

A hunting camp was destroyed and one structure is threatened, Florida Forest Service officials said.

These flames of the “Greenway” fire were previously reported to have scorched 7,239 acres and is 25 percent contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

#GreenwayFire is 7,239 acres and 25% contained. Today wildland firefighter will continue building fire line to the East and reinforcing Westside fire line in anticipation of tomorrow's weather. No structures are threatened at this time. #FLFire #Flwildfire #wildfire

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 26, 2018

An RV home was burned in Sabal Palm.

Greater Naples fire officials said residents and visitors in the Sabal Park, Verona Walk and Winding Cypress areas should stay alert.

Everglades Boulevard has closed, according to fire officials. 52nd Avenue to Sabal Palm remains shut down.

ACREAGE UPDATES: #WestBoundaryFire is 2,200 acres & 50% contained. #FlagPondFire is 2,600 acres & 100% contained, wildland firefighters will continue to monitor for any flare ups. #GreenwayFire is 6,600 acres & 20% contained. #116thAveSEFire is 8,000 acres & 45% contained.

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 25, 2018

‘Flag Pond’ fire

This fire has burned 2,600 acres and is 100 percent contained as of Sunday, Greater Naples Fire said on Twitter.

Hendry County

‘West Boundary’ fire

This fire has charred 2,200 acres and is 50 percent contained, according to the Caloosahatchee Forestry Center

#WestBoundaryFire wildland fire fighters transition from night to day operations. Crews will be monitoring current containment lines while establishing new lines where needed. #FLFire #Flwildfire #wildfire

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 26, 2018

#WestBoundaryFire is holding at 2,200 acres and 50% containment. Wildland firefighters are transitioning to night operations #wildfire #Flfires #Flwildfire

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 25, 2018

LEE COUNTY

‘Water Plant’ fire

This fire was extinguished but was rekindled Sunday afternoon. It burned 30 acres and is 100% contained as of 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

#WaterPlantFire 30 acres and 100% contained, wildland firefighters are working at widening the containment lines #FLFire #Flwildfire #wildfire

— FFS Caloosahatchee (@FFS_cafc) March 26, 2018