Campfire sparks Cape Coral brush fire, neighbors upset over burn ban breach

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — A brush fire in Cape Coral burned 36 acres after starting from a campfire during an active burn ban on Saturday.

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As of Monday morning, the fire flared back up.

The fire spread near homes, businesses, and a busy road, leaving neighbors frustrated.

"It's funny she said it smells like a campfire, like a natural campfire. I guess it’s not a natural campfire because somebody set it and burned the whole woods up," said a neighbor.

The fire's smoke was visible for miles, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident.

"I think that’s messed up because you’re burning during a burn ban," said another neighbor.

Fire crews reported that the flames moved rapidly, even jumping across Del Prado Boulevard and reaching the parking lot of a nearby McDonald's.

"There could have been people back here and they could have gotten burned," said a neighbor.

Officials confirmed the fire started from a campfire, which is illegal due to the burn ban across Lee County and much of Southwest Florida. They were surprised at how quickly the fire spread.

"The first report we got was that it was small... then the wind picked up, and it spread very quickly," said a public information officer over the phone.

Crews collaborated with the Florida Forest Service to control the fire, successfully protecting nearby homes and businesses.

"I’m glad it did not come over this way," said a neighbor.

Officials described the incident as a close call and emphasized that most brush fires are preventable.

Fire officials reminded the public that the burn ban remains in place for a reason. They stressed that it only takes one campfire, one spark, and the right wind to cause a disaster. They urged people not to risk it.