Wildfires

The decision to lift the ban came following a review by the Collier County Emergency Management Department, Florida Forest Service, Collier County Fire Chiefs’ Association, and Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

The majority of brushy wildfires that burst into flames across Southwest Florida since last weekend have either been contained or close to it.

Florida Forest Service units were working several fires around the state on Tuesday.

A 525-acre wildfire was being fought in Hendry County by the Florida Forest Service Sunday evening.

A fire burning in the CREW Wildlife Management Area in Lee County was 100 percent contained by Saturday midday and was being worked on by Florida Forest Service personnel from the Caloosahatchee Office.

Afternoon showers have been popping up throughout Southwest Florida since the year began, but more so since the summer rainy season started May 15 in places like Collier County where 4.5 inches have fallen in less than three weeks. That’s inspired the watering restrictions and outdoor burn bans to an end in some communities, while others are leaving them in place for now.

An active wildfire east of Naples and south of Interstate 75 in the Picayune Strand State Forest burned 650 acres and was 45 percent contained as of 9 p.m. Monday. Earlier voluntary evacuations have been rescinded. A second Collier County fire, north of I-75, was 90 percent contained by 8 p.m.

A wildfire of undetermined origin was burning in 98 acres alongside northbound Interstate 75 by mile marker 151 Saturday with smoke and flames visible from the freeway. The fire was reported at 85 percent contained.

The Highway 41 that burned for nearly a week in Everglades National Park is now 100 percent contained, fire officials report.

An 9,149-acre wildfire was initially reported at 2,500-acres on Monday. The fire was downgraded in severity Saturday.