Wildfire — Hendry, Florida

2024-05-13 to 2024-05-14 · Hendry, Florida

Event narrative

The Tampa Ave wildfire was reported in the Pioneer Plantation area on May 13th after a thunderstorm moved through the area. Wildfire and smoke activity prompted road closures, evacuation orders, and a shutdown of the local power grid. Residents near Tampa Avenue and 21st Street were evacuated. There were no reported damages to personal properties, injuries, or fatalities. The total acreage of the fire was 20 acres, and lightning was listed as the cause. The official date of full containment was May 14th.

Wider weather episode

Dry conditions across South Florida allowed a wildfire to burn in Hendry County for a few days. The fire was ignited by lightning associated with a strong thunderstorm, and quickly spread and lingered due to lack of rain. Smoke produced very low to no visibility in the area periodically over the course of the fire's lifespan.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1182247. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.