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Wildfires Doused With Needed Rain

Avian Complex Wildfires in Collier County Update

  • 82,461 acres affected, 5% contained, 321 personnel, 3 helicopters and 17 engines

  • Buzzard Fire: 62,404 acres, 8% contained

  • Flamingo Fire: 11,689 acres, 5% contained

  • Curlew Fire: 8,366 acres, 15% contained

  • Vulture Fire: 1 acre, 100% contained

  • Caracara Fire: 1 acre, 100% contained

Previous operational period: Activity in the Avian Complex was minimal with some active spots in the fires’ interior before thunderstorms arrived in the afternoon. Active fire was observed on the Buzzard Fire on both the northern and southern edges. Crews began to remove unneeded equipment and firefighters engaged the fire as needed. Aircraft checked on a possible new fire after increased lightning, which was determined to be within the Buzzard Fire perimeter.

Planned action: The Southern Area Incident Management Gold Team will begin releasing firefighters and equipment today as it transitions to a smaller organization. Crews remain available to respond to any new fires.

Fire weather: Scattered showers and afternoon thunderstorms are expected to continue. High temperatures will be in the upper 80s with humidity around 50 percent.

Avain Fire Info Map

Restrictions and Closures

Temporary flight restrictions remain in place for the Buzzard and Flamingo Fires:

The following closures remain unchanged:

  • Dona Drive is closed to all public access

  • Stairsteps: All lands in Zone 3. Zone 4 is closed to all public access by airboat

  • Paces Dike Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs)

  • Roberts Lake Trail south from Loop Road

  • Lands east of Turner River Rd., west of BICY’s eastern boundary and north of Hwy. 41

  • The Florida National Scenic Trail is closed from the Oasis Visitor Center to I-75 mile marker 63

  • All BICY lands north of I-75 between Hwy. 29 and Bundschu Grade

These areas are closed to all recreational use, including ORVs, hiking, camping and commercial activities due to safety concerns related to wildfires in the area.

Private lands in the designated closure area shall remain open. Residents should use caution and notify the Fire Duty Officer of entry by calling (239) 719-0241. Residents who want information about the fires and their property should call Fire Information at (305) 204-6659.

Additional information: For more information, please call (305) 229-6659 or email BICYFireInfo@gmail.com.

2023-11-13T04:01:05-05:00February 28, 2023|Parks|

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