Naples, Fla. (970 WFLA)-Collier County continues to monitor the Lee Williams wildfire burning east of Collier Boulevard (County Road 951). The fire is currently estimated at covering 6,000 acres and is 30 percent contained at this time.
The Florida Forest Service ordered a mandatory evacuation notice for the Naples Club RV Resort, the Panther’s Walk RV Resort, the entire Forest Glen community, the Aventine at Naples Apartments and the horse stables in and along Newman Drive due to the growing wildfire threat.
The mandatory evacuation has been lifted for the Forest Glen community and the Aventine at Naples Apartments and those residents are allowed to return home. The preferred route to return to those neighborhoods is from Collier Boulevard heading south to the neighborhoods.
Residents will need to be patient and display identification to the Collier County Sheriff deputies on scene for re-entry.
The mandatory evacuation is still in effect for all of the other areas. Collier County will open a shelter at the Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples, with services for the evacuees. Red Cross and Collier County Parks and Recreation Division staff will man the Golden Gate Community Center overnight, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office will provide security.
The closures of Collier Boulevard and Interstate 75 will remain in effect overnight due to smoke and visibility issues.
Residents of Forest Glen and Aventine at Naples will be allowed to travel on Collier Boulevard to return to their homes.
Two homes were lost in Tuesday’s fire, one on Benfield Road and one home on Le Buffs Road. Power is out to Beck Boulevard, the Naples Club RV Resort and the Panther’s Walk RV Resort due to fire damage to lines and power poles.
Restoration efforts will not begin until daylight tomorrow as fire conditions allow.
Photo Credit: Caloosahatchee Forestry Center