Florida Firefighters Combat Major Brush Fire in Picayune Strand State Forest
Fire Incident Overview
In Florida, firefighters are currently engaged in efforts to control a significant brush fire that has engulfed around 300 acres within the Picayune Strand State Forest. The fire was first reported on Monday in the vicinity of Newman Drive and Beck Boulevard, as stated by the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Emergency teams, including those from the Florida Forest Service and Greater Naples Fire, are actively working on-site to manage the situation. The sheriff's office has also deployed its aviation unit, utilizing helicopters to drop water on the affected regions. According to fire monitoring service WatchDuty, approximately 10% of the blaze has been contained.
Breaking News: A very large and out of control fire is currently burning near I-75 in Naples, Florida. Residents in the area of Collier Boulevard should be prepared for the possibility of evacuations as the fire is blowing your way. No official call yet. pic.twitter.com/Jk6uCfrOkL
— Mike Gagliardi (Tropics) (@Mike__Gagliardi) April 13, 2026
Evacuation orders have been issued for several streets in the vicinity, including Benfield Road, Stable Way, Union Drive, Barton Gliba Drive, Beck Boulevard, and Le Buff Road. Authorities have not specified the duration for which residents will need to stay away from their homes. The Florida Forest Service has indicated that winds are currently blowing westward, which could lead to smoky conditions along Collier Boulevard south of Interstate 75. Residents are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about the evolving situation. Local news outlets are providing ongoing updates regarding containment efforts and evacuation protocols.