NAPLES, Fla. — First responders are working to extinguish a wildfire in Collier County.
The Florida Forest Service responded to the wildfire burning in Naples on Monday.
Officials said the fire erupted at about 9 a.m. at Picayune Park.
As of Tuesday evening, officials said the fire was 40% contained and had spread to 1,700 acres.
“It’s been really difficult to get to quickly and efficiently,” Jesse Lavender, a mitigation specialist with the Florida Forest Service, said.
Footage captured from I-75 traffic cameras showed thick clouds of smoke billowing from the area.
“Pretty crazy to see something this crazy going on in my neighborhood,” resident Stan Rosendahl said.
This comes as Naples is under extreme drought conditions.
Officials are taking caution as windy conditions could cause the flames to spread.
Evacuation orders have been issued for about 150 residents in the area and shelters have been opened. Some horses were also evacuated from the area.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said evacuations have been lifted for the Forest Glen community, but evacuation orders are still in place for Stable Way, Newman Drive, Barton Gilba Drive, Benfield Road and Le Buffs Road.
Officials warn people not to operate drones in the area as it “impedes the safety of the first responders and interferes with fire operations.”
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