Green Gate (26)

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Green Gate (26) Fire ignited on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Hendry County, Florida, approximately 15 miles southeast of Immokalee.
Size and Containment: As of June 16, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 540 acres and is currently 70% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has been primarily fueled by southern rough and tall grass. It has exhibited moderate fire behavior over the last 48 hours, characterized by running and smoldering.
Containment Efforts: The Florida Forest Service is actively managing the incident. Firefighters have made significant progress, achieving 70% containment within the first two days of the fire's start. Crews are currently focusing on reinforcing containment lines and addressing smoldering hotspots within the brush.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: We cannot find any information regarding mandatory evacuation orders for the Green Gate (26) Fire at this time.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no evacuation warnings reported to be in place.
Curfew: We cannot find any information regarding curfews for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: Since there are no reported evacuations, no evacuation shelters have been opened. We cannot find any information regarding impacted populations requiring sheltering.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• We cannot find any information regarding road, school, or infrastructure closures related to this fire. Local traffic and travel routes appear unaffected at this time.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service - Wildland Fire Updates
• Hendry County Emergency Management
• Florida Division of Emergency Management

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Green Gate (26) Fire.
Structures Impacted: We cannot find any information indicating that structures have been damaged, destroyed, or are currently threatened by this fire.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been reported in connection to this incident.
Notable Impacts: The fire is primarily burning in rural areas, so notable people and structures have not been impacted.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: A county-issued burn ban is currently in effect for all of Hendry County due to extreme dry weather conditions. This restricts all unregulated outdoor fires, including bonfires, campfires, and the burning of yard debris.
Air Quality: While the fire is relatively small, smoldering vegetation may produce localized smoke. Residents in the immediate vicinity, especially those with respiratory conditions, should monitor air quality and limit outdoor exposure if smoke becomes heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With 70% containment already achieved, firefighters are expected to continue making steady progress over the coming days. Crews will likely focus on reinforcing containment lines and addressing smoldering hotspots within the southern rough to prevent any further spread.
Weather and Wind Warnings: While there are no specific Red Flag Warnings for the immediate fire area at this time, typical Florida summer weather patterns persist. The region is experiencing high heat indexes and potential afternoon thunderstorms that could bring gusty winds of 40–55 mph and frequent lightning. Crews will continue to monitor for any sudden shifts in wind or humidity that could affect fire behavior.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The exact cause of the Green Gate (26) Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire is being fueled by extreme dry conditions that have heavily impacted Southwest Florida in 2026. The state has been in the grip of a severe drought, leaving swamps, wetlands, and undergrowth extremely dry. This lack of rainfall has provided abundant, brittle fuel for wildfires, significantly increasing the wildfire risk and rate of spread across the region.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Wildfire Dashboard
• WFCA Fire Map
• Hendry County Official Website