Collier County resident fears dangers of neighbor's illegal bonfires during burn ban

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

Erin Marfongella, a resident of Collier County, is fearful for her safety after her neighbor lit two bonfires despite an active burn ban, leading her to call 911 twice in recent weeks.

Marfongella said firefighters responded to her calls on Feb. 28 and March 10, as she watched the flames grow to six feet high.

"We literally have garden hoses to fight a brush. Fire currently. And it just takes, and the embers were flying probably 20 or 30 feet in the air. It was crazy," Marfongella said.

Collier County is currently under a burn ban, and Marfongella expressed concern about her well running out of water and the dry grass and trees surrounding her yard.

"I would like a deputy to contact me, though, because they were not cited last week and obviously they did not learn anything," Marfongella said during her 911 call on March 10.

Collier County Code Enforcement has opened an investigation into the property, and the homeowner will be issued a warning for the bonfires during the active burn ban.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.