A brush fire broke out early Monday morning in the preserve behind homes inside the Berkshire Lakes community in Collier County.
Fire crews got it under control before it reached any homes, but it came close enough to worry neighbors.
Adrian Michell and his son Lewis were the first to spot the flames around 2 a.m.
"Luckily, the wind was coming from the south, which kept it away from the house. But, had it been the other way, we would've been packing up the cars with valuables and heading out quickly," Adrian said.
Lewis added, "I was going to bed at about 2 — chronic insomnia — and I just happened to look out back, and I saw lights and wasn't quite sure what it was at first, but quickly noticed it's a fire."
After calling 911, Lewis recorded video of the flames burning through trees behind their home on Cutty Sark Lane.
Greater Naples Fire Rescue and North Collier Fire Rescue responded. They say it burned about two acres. Crews contained it 100 percent, but spent several hours putting out hotspots.
"And it took about two-and-a-half hours trying to get it under control. And, it was quite alarming because the trees began to go on either side of the fire. In front of us, it was quickly put out, but on the right and the left, there was rather more substantial blaze, which took a lot more work to extinguish," Adrian said.
With a burn ban still in place in Collier County, Greater Naples Fire spokesperson Tiffany Wood shared these reminders.
"So you're going to want to create a defensible space around your home if at all possible. Try to keep any type of dead debris, whether it's grass clippings or bush clippings, tree trimmings, at least 30 feet from your home. Do not burn them [...] Keeping your tree limbs trimmed at least 6 to 10 feet from the ground," Wood said.
She also warns to not flick cigarette butts, avoid fire pits, and have an emergency bag ready in case you need to evacuate.
If you spot smoke or flames, call 911 right away.