Story developing — confirmed facts and preliminary information are separated below.
A Collier fire has drawn a major response from Florida Forestry and Greater Naples Fire, with a brush fire burning 1,733 acres in the Picayune Strand State Forest at 70 percent containment. WINK News and Gulf Coast News Now have both documented the blaze, which is one of two active fires burning simultaneously across Collier County, Florida.
Picayune Strand Brush Fire
WINK News confirmed that Florida Forestry and Greater Naples Fire are on scene combating a brush fire at the Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County. The fire has grown to 1,733 acres with 70 percent containment. Gulf Coast News Now separately reported that firefighters are battling two brush fires in Collier County, with one burning through 650 acres in the Picayune Strand State Forest. The Picayune Strand is a vast state forest in southern Collier County, originally planned as a massive residential development before being restored as a natural wetland ecosystem.
Second Collier County Fire
Gulf Coast News Now confirmed that a second fire is burning simultaneously in Collier County alongside the Picayune Strand blaze. The presence of two active fires at once stretches local resources and requires mutual aid from neighboring departments. A Facebook post documented an 1,100-acre wildfire in Collier County at only 15 percent containment, with scenes from Naples showing active wildfire conditions. The combination of dry vegetation, high temperatures, and afternoon thunderstorm activity creates the ideal conditions for rapid fire spread across southwest Florida.
Burn Ban Status
Collier County’s official government website confirmed that the burn ban was lifted effective Thursday, July 2, 2026. The lifting of the burn ban suggests that conditions had temporarily improved before the current fires ignited. Residents can call 311 or (239) 252-4311 for burn ban information. WeatherBug maintains a live fire map and 5-day fire risk forecast for the Naples area, with a drought monitor showing elevated fire risk as of July 9, 2026.
Public Safety
For Collier County residents:
- Monitor Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Greater Naples Fire for evacuation updates.
- Avoid the Picayune Strand State Forest area while firefighting operations are active.
- Follow Florida Forestry Service for fire containment progress.
- Check WeatherBug’s Naples fire tracker for real-time fire risk.
Conclusion
The Collier fire — with 1,733 acres burning in the Picayune Strand State Forest at 70 percent containment, a second fire burning simultaneously, the burn ban recently lifted, and drought conditions elevated — reflects an active fire season across southwest Florida. Residents should monitor Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Greater Naples Fire, and Florida Forestry for updates.
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