The Collier County brush fire was lighting up the night sky with fierce flames and billowing smoke overnight Tuesday. At least 7,500 acres have been scorched from the fire so far, and it is only 30% contained.
According to the Florida Forest Service, winds have died down and the relative humidity has increased, allowing firefighters an opportunity to gain access closer to the wildfire as fire activity decreased.
During the evening hours, firefighters reported the sky looked like “Chinese lanterns” as the fire bands floated across I-75. One spot fire was detected at the Naples Landfill and quickly contained at one acre.
Florida Forest Service’s firefighting bulldozers quickly encircled the wildfire with a dirt containment line which allows the wildfire to burn itself out. State firefighting bulldozers established fire breaks behind the RV parks and horse stables while structure firefighters patrolled the perimeter while also protecting structures.
The fire is holding at County Road 951 (Collier Boulevard) which allowed for the road closures to be lifted Wednesday morning, although intermittent closures may take place throughout the day.
From Fox 4 News: https://www.fox4now.com/weather/fire/picayune-strand-fire-continues-near-naples-wednesday