The Florida Forest Service wildland firefighters continued to build and improve containment lines around the fire. The 14th Ave Fire remains at 900 acres and 75% contained.
A structural protection group of cooperating structure fire and Florida Forest Service dozers monitored hot spots and engaged flare ups as needed. We ask everyone to please stay clear of the area due to the many firefighters and large equipment working to protect persons and property. Civilian presence on an active scene can pull responders from fire suppression to other rescue efforts and increase risk to firefighter, resident, and property safety.
Air Operations:
A Florida Forest Service fixed wing assisted with the fire today, along with multiple local cooperating aircraft. Corrected information shows that Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Air Rescue 1 conducted 67 water drops and Collier County Sheriff’s Office Air Rescue 1 completed 275 water drops over the course of the fire.
· NO DRONES IN THE FIRE ZONE! Do not fly drones near wildfires. Wildland firefighting aircraft are most effective with open airspace. Drones detected in their flight areas require aerial firefighting operations cease until the airspace is cleared. This lost time puts firefighters, residents, and their homes at risk. Please remember, if you fly, we can’t! Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties and criminal prosecution.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FDACS.gov/FLForestService.