A brush fire ignited Sunday afternoon near a residential area and close to a major airport in Gateway, causing concern, but no flight disruptions.
According to officials, the fire broke out near a golf course close to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and burned several acres of grass and vegetation.
Firefighters used ground crews and aerial support to control the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes and businesses.
Residents in the area reported seeing smoke and flames as crews worked to douse the fire with water and foam. Despite the fire's proximity to RSW, airport officials confirmed that operations continued without delay, and no evacuations were necessary.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities emphasized that weather conditions, including dry grass and windy conditions, may have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
The brush fire was reported under control by late afternoon, with crews remaining on site to monitor for flare-ups. There were no reported injuries or damage to structures.
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