Wildfire — Inland Collier County, Florida

2020-05-01 to 2020-05-04 · Inland Collier County, Florida

Event narrative

The National Park Service in Big Cypress National Preserve reported a wildfire that began in April and became 100% contained in May. The wildfire was in the northeast

corner of the preserve and was located 5 miles north of I-75 at mile marker 55 just west of the L-28 Interceptor Canal. Major Interstate I-75 was closed periodically throughout the time of the wildfire due to heavy smoke and to allow fire fighting officials/vehicles quicker access to the fire. There were no reported injuries or evacuations other than road closures. The size of the wildfire, due to better mapping data collection, ended up being approximately 611 acres. The cause of the wildfire, not a prescribed fire, is still under investigation.

Wider weather episode

Dry conditions across South Florida allowed a wildfire to burn in Collier County for several weeks (fire ignited in April). The fire quickly spread and lingered due to lack of rain and gusty winds. Smoke produced very low to no visibility in the area and along the interstate to the north periodically over the course of the fire's lifespan.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 886560. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.