Wildfire in drought-stricken Florida prompts evacuations after rapid growth
The brush fire in Picayune Strand State Forest is burning as extreme drought continues in Southwest Florida and the entire state is in drought.
The sky over Naples, Florida, was filled with smoke on April 13 as a wildfire burned more than 1,000 acres in the Picayune Strand State Forest.
A fast-moving wildfire in Naples, Florida, triggered evacuations Monday evening and sent thick smoke across parts of southwestern Florida.
The fire in Picayune Strand State Forest ignited after 4:30 p.m. near Newman Drive off Beck Boulevard. Crews from the Florida Forest Service, Greater Naples Fire Rescue and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit are working to contain the blaze.
Within a few hours, the fire expanded to about 1,000 acres, with smoke visible across Collier County. By Wednesday morning, the Florida Forest Service reported the wildfire had grown to more than 1,700 acres and was 70% contained.
Evacuations ordered Monday for Stable Way, Newman Drive, Barton Gilba Drive, Benfield Road and Le Buffs Road remain in place on Tuesday, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office.
A brush fire in Picayune Strand State Forest seen from Naples, Florida on April 13, 2026. (Image: Joey Waves via Storyful)
Residents east of Collier Boulevard and south from Beck Boulevard to Rattlesnake Hammock Road were warned of reduced visibility from heavy smoke and urged to remain alert for additional evacuations.
WINK News reported that some evacuated properties include horse farms and ranches. Shore Acres Farm opened its property to horse owners needing a safe place, according to the report.
The wildfire is burning as drought conditions persist across Florida. Nearly 80% of the state is experiencing extreme drought, including Collier County.
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