Wildfire — Inland Collier County, Florida

2017-03-05 to 2017-03-13 · Inland Collier County, Florida

Event narrative

A wildfire was reported by the Florida Forest Service on March 5th 2017 at 333PM EST in the Picayune Strand State Forest. Gusty winds and dry conditions led to rapid fire spread over the next several days, causing evacuations for Naples Club RV Park, Panthers Walk RV Park and the Forest Glenn Community. Four homes were destroyed, two on Benfield Road and the other two on Lebuffs Road in Golden Gate Estates. Three barns and some vehicles were also destroyed. Power lines were down on Beck Boulevard. The fire grew to 7230 acres when it was finally contained March 13th 2017. Several roads were also closed, including I-75 remains between SR 29 and Golden Gate Parkway, Collier Boulevard and Beck Boulevard.

Damage total is based on the market value of the properties destroyed, as well as other losses to trees and infrastructure.

Wider weather episode

The Lee Williams Road wildfire started in the afternoon hours of March 5th near Lee Williams Road. Gusty winds and dry conditions led to rapid fire spread causing multiple mandatory and voluntary evacuations.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 683037. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.