Collier County wildfire containment reaches 53% after rain relief

OCHOPEE, Fla. - Firefighters are making progress on a large wildfire in Collier County, Florida, thanks to recent rainfall that has helped moderate fire behavior.

The fire, which started last Sunday, spans 35,034 acres and is now 53% contained. Firefighters are focusing on reinforcing control lines and extinguishing hot spots, especially along the south side of I-75.

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Turner River Road is open for access to the Bear Island area of Big Cypress National Preserve, and campgrounds are available for reservations. Trails east of Turner River Road will reopen on March 3 at 8:00 a.m., while those west remain closed.

Weather conditions, including northeast winds and a chance of thunderstorms, may affect fire behavior. Smoke is drifting southwest, impacting areas along SR-29 and US-41. 

The National Park Service has reduced the closure area in Big Cypress National Preserve, reopening areas east of Turner River Road. However, a closure remains south of I-75 for safety reasons.

The fire is being managed by the Southern Area Gray Incident Management Team under a full suppression strategy. Environmental conditions, including drought and La Nina, are challenging suppression efforts, and a burn ban is in effect for Collier County.

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