Wildfire — Inland Collier County, Florida

2017-04-20 to 2017-04-21 · Inland Collier County, Florida

Event narrative

The Frangipani wildfire was first reported during the afternoon hours on April 20 in the Golden Gate Estates area of eastern Naples in Collier County. This fire, in combination with the nearby larger 30th Avenue Fire, necessitated the evacuation of a large area of the the Golden Gate area of Naples as well as numerous road, school, and business closures. The fire was contained during the afternoon hours of April 21 with a maximum size of 350 acres.

Wider weather episode

Drought conditions continued across South Florida into mid April, allowing for the rapid spread of two wildfires, the 30th Avenue Fire, and Frangipani Fire, that started in the Golden Gate Estates area of eastern Naples. Given the proximity of the fires two each other, a large mandatory evacuation area was ordered for the region, from the south side of Golden Gate Boulevard south to I-75, and from Collier Boulevard east to Wilson Boulevard. Additional voluntary evacuations were ordered for homes south of Golden Gate Parkway from Tropicana Boulevard east to Collier Boulevard in Golden Gate City, affecting over 7000 residents. The wildfires resulted in the closures of numerous roads in the area, as well as schools, business, and parks. The Frangipani Fire was contained within 24 hours, however the 30th Avenue Fire was not able to reach containment until 25 April.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 692701. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.