A large wildfire in the Picayune Strand State Forest has burned through approximately 250 acres and is now 90% contained, according to Greater Naples Fire Rescue.
Crews have been battling the fire for three days. As of Friday, multiple agencies remain on scene working to suppress active hot spots.
“Our firefighters are working around the clock to make sure that this is not spread any further,” said Tiffany Wood with Greater Naples Fire.
Thick black plumes of smoke were visible for miles across East Naples. While visibility has improved, fire officials say smoke may continue to impact the area until the fire is fully extinguished.
The flames came close to Good Mood Ranch, located off Sabal Palm Road. Ranch owner Luc Goemaere says he’s always prepared for natural disasters — whether it’s fire or hurricane.
“You need to be prepared for it. If it's a hurricane or if it's a fire, you need to be prepared, and that's how the farm life works here in Florida,” Goemaere said.
He said he’s grateful the fire didn’t reach his property and is calling for long-term solutions to prevent future threats.
Goemaere said he received an outpouring of support from the community, with many offering to help evacuate animals from his ranch.
“Well, we are blessed that we are not hurt. And, we thank God for that. And I hope we are good for a while now. And I'd really like to see all these Melaleuca go away in all of the Picayune. And if they don't do that, we will have problems. All of us here,” he said.
He's referring to the invasive Melaleuca trees throughout the Picayune Forest. While crews actively work to remove them, officials said it's difficult to eliminate them entirely.
“So there's melaleuca trees all out here, and they're not native. So, when they do catch on fire, it is a dark gray, black, heavy smoke that comes with them because of the oil that's inside the tree. So we definitely are dealing with that,” Wood said.
The Florida Forest Service has not yet determined the cause of the fire. A burn ban remains in effect in both Lee and Collier counties due to ongoing drought conditions.
Residents impacted by smoke exposure are advised to stay indoors.
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