200-acre brush fire sparks in Collier County, voluntary evacuations begin

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. – A 200-acre brush fire sparked on 14th Avenue near DeSoto Boulevard in Golden Gate Estates.

The Florida Forest Service along with Greater Naples fire crews are responding to the brush fire. The size of the brush fire was originally estimated at 50 acres but is now 200 acres, according to FFS.

Originally tweeted by Briana Fernandez (@BrianaFernNews) on May 13, 2020.

The fire is currently zero percent contained and structures are currently in danger. Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies are beginning voluntary evacuations on 12th, 14th, and 16th Avenue Southeast of Everglades Boulevard.

CCSO has activated its Real Time Ops Center and Incident Management Team at headquarters to assist the ops and logistics for the Emergency Response Teams at the fire. All other areas near the fire should have a plan and be ready to act, the sheriff’s office said.

Collier County deputies said no drones should be flying near the fire area. Substantial air support is on the way to help battle the fire, and there can’t be drones in the emergency air space.

DeSoto Boulevard is closed south of Golden Gate Boulevard, according to CCSO.

This is a developing story.

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