1,733-acre brush fire reported in Picayune Strand State Forest, 70% containment

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Florida Forestry and Greater Naples Fire are on scene, combating a 1,733-acre brush fire at the Picayune Strand State Forest.

Since noon Monday, crews have been fighting flames from the Picayune Stand Brush Fire. The fire is sitting at over a mile long as crews from agencies across Southwest Florida rush to help.

Forest Service crews are making progress on a wildfire, with the north side now largely under control. The south side remains active, according to a Forest Service update.

Crews worked overnight to secure hotspots in that area. Seventy-five different resources are on scene battling the blaze. Forest Service aircraft have made 250 water drops, though officials did not specify the total gallons dumped.

The north side of the fire has been mopped up, meaning crews have extinguished remaining embers and reinforced containment lines.

Homeowners and horse owners were evacuated along Benfield Road. The Florida Forest Service said wind is pushing back progress.

"When we have these winds that we've been having, where they're over 20 miles an hour, sustained winds that did not help with this fire, but you know, we're going to continue to fight it until it's out," Jesse Lavender of the Florida Forest Service said.

Nearly 164 homeowners were told to evacuate. When they can come home will depend on when this fire is put out.

Shortly before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the Collier School District issued a notice that recess and aftercare at Calusa Park Elementary School would be moved indoors due to the smell. Lely Elementary is also keeping students indoors.

The Weather Authority is also closely monitoring conditions.

Meteorologists Lauren Kreidler and Josh Green say Collier County and much of Southwest Florida are under a moderate risk of fire danger on Monday due to breezy winds, dry air, and low humidity. Easterly winds could push smoke westward toward Naples and the surrounding communities throughout this evening.

In addition, the Florida Forest Service says current winds are pushing westward, which may lead to smoky conditions along Collier Boulevard south of Interstate 75.

Caution is advised for people within the area. 

The sheriff’s office aviation unit has been deployed, dropping buckets of water on the brush fire.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office has begun to evacuate several streets due to the brush fire.

The following streets have been evacuated:

• Benfield Road
• Stable Way
• Union Drive
• Barton Gliba Drive 
• Beck Boulevard
• Le Buff Road
• Loblolly Bay Drive

Communities where residents should remain alert and follow developments:

• Sun Retreat
• Panther Walk RV Resort
• Caymas
• Seven Shores
• Sapphire Cove
• Milano Lakes
• Hammock Park Apartments
• Azure

Evacuations have been lifted for the Forest Glen Community.

It remains unclear how long the evacuation order will last. 

According to the Collier County Government page, a safe haven for fire evacuees is open at the Golden Gate Community Center, located at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway in Naples, for those affected by the Newman and Beck Blvd Brush Fire. 

This is the only shelter currently open, and this shelter is pet-friendly. Please bring all supplies with you to the shelter.

Items to consider:

• Prescription medications
• Sleeping bag or bed roll, blanket, pillow
• Books, magazines, and electronic entertainment items with headphones
• Change of clothing
• Snacks or special foods
• Baby/Children’s diapers, formula, etc.
• Pet vaccination records
• Pet food
• Weapons and alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, all Interstate 75 lanes remain open, and visibility is currently good. Motorists traveling through the area are urged to use caution, reduce speed, and remain alert for any changing conditions. 

A temporary Wildfire Smoke Refuge location is available for East Naples residents at Collier County's South Regional Library at 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday. The county said that this is not for overnight sheltering.

Officials are asking people not to use drones in the area of the fire because they impede the safety of the first responders and interfere with fire operations.

WINK News has team coverage all morning and will be monitoring the latest updates on the fire. 

Stay tuned to WINKNews.com, WINK News App, streaming, and on air for any new developments on this story.