Wildfire — Inland Collier County, Florida

2020-05-13 to 2020-05-23 · Inland Collier County, Florida

Event narrative

Smoke produced very low to no visibility in the area and along nearby roadways, prompting the closure of major interstate I-75 between MM 80 and 101 periodically over the lifespan of the fire. Twelve residences have reportedly been destroyed and thirty three outbuildings were destroyed. The NWS Miami NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter phone lines, located in Collier County, also sustained damage with the lines burning through. A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for approximately 2,000 residents in the area. Total approximate acreage burned was 8,250 acres. Cause of fire still unknown.

Wider weather episode

Dry conditions across South Florida allowed two wildfires to burn before combining into one wildfire across Collier County. Wildfire lasted for about a week and a half. 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 nearby roadways. The fire caused the loss of structures, warranted mandatory evacuations, and closed roadways.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 886581. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.