Collier County braces for early, active brush fire season

Collier County agencies are urging residents to prepare for an active and early brush fire season due to dry conditions.

Officials gathered Thursday morning for a joint press conference to discuss the upcoming brush fire season and assured the community that all agencies are collaborating and ready to handle the situation.

Greater Naples Fire Rescue District Fire Chief Chris Wolfe said, "We're anticipating that we're going to see an early and more active than regular brush fire season in the upcoming year."

Jesse Lavender with the Florida Forest Service noted the dry conditions this year are a concern, as Collier County did not experience any hurricanes, which typically help reduce wildfire risk.

"The Florida Forest Service has significantly increased our fire response efficiency through expanded use of drones and aircraft, updated equipment, enhanced mitigation efforts, prescribed burning and advanced training," said Lavender.

WINK Weather Authority Meteorologist Josh Green agreed that the upcoming brush fire season could be challenging.

"We're already off to a bad start for the upcoming brush fire season, because we're in an ongoing drought, moderate to severe drought conditions," said Green. "We've had a significant lack of rainfall throughout much of the dry season."

Green added, "We're currently in a La Niña pattern, which typically means drier conditions. If we continue to see those, things will just continue to get drier out there and set the stage for that potential of more brush fires."

The Greater Naples Fire Rescue District reported a slight increase in fire numbers compared to past years. There have been around 50 instances of outside fires since late August.

Wolfe emphasized the importance of preparation. "Preparation is the best strategy," he said, suggesting residents prepare a 30-foot defensible area around their property and preparing evacuation plans. 

He advised residents to be vigilant and prepared, as brush fires can start quickly and spread rapidly.

With the region experiencing drier conditions than usual, officials urged residents to clean roofs and gutters and maintain yards to reduce fire risks. 

"The wet season for SW FL runs from around May 15 to October 15 with the dry season running from October 15 to May 15, with us currently being in the middle of the dry season," Matt Anderson, acting meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Tampa, wrote to WINK News.

During the press conference, Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk praised the collaboration among local agencies in tackling wildfires, highlighting the county's unique partnership among first responders.

"Our county has a partnership amongst first responders like none other," said Rambosk.

Rambosk explained the collaboration process begins with the communication center receiving emergency calls, which are then directed to the real-time operations center, leading to the dispatch of first responders. 

The sheriff added, "I think it's critically important to know that when we work together, we can reduce the potential for property damage, for injury and death throughout Collier County."

Wolfe highlighted the effectiveness of the county's collaborative strategies. "In my opinion, the most effective strategy that we've deployed to the county is a sheriff's open door and willingness to share his aviation resources," he said. "A partnership between North Fire, fire rescue and the sheriff, they actually are able to participate in fire operations by dropping water from the aviation unit."

Cigarette butts, parking cars in high grass, and trees getting into power lines can unintentionally start brush fires. 

Officials reminded residents to report any fires and not assume they are prescribed burns. They also stressed the importance of staying informed through official channels and social media during the fire season.

For more information, visit the Greater Naples Fire website or the Florida Forest Service website.