NEWMAN DR

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Newman Dr Fire ignited just after noon on Monday, April 13, 2026, in the Picayune Strand State Forest, located south of Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) in Collier County, Florida.
Size and Containment: As of April 16, 2026, the fire has burned approximately 1,733 acres and is currently 60% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior, including running and long-range spotting. Fueled by dry brush, southern rough, and thick vegetation—including downed trees, broken branches, and shredded underbrush left over from past hurricanes—the fire spread explosively from an initial 100 acres to over 1,000 acres within just a few hours. This rapid growth was driven by strong sustained winds over 20 mph, low humidity, and very dry air.
Containment Efforts: A massive multi-agency response is actively underway, involving the Florida Forest Service, Greater Naples Fire Rescue, North Collier Fire Rescue, and the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Over 200 wildland firefighters from more than a dozen local, state, and federal agencies are on the scene. Aviation units, including Blackhawk helicopters, are conducting water drops, while ground crews are utilizing brush trucks, tractors, and bulldozers to establish containment lines. Additional heavy equipment has been brought in from Central Florida to assist.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Evacuation orders have been issued for approximately 164 homes. Orders remain in place for residents on several streets, including Stable Way, Newman Drive, Barton Gliba Drive, Benfield Road, and Le Buff Road. (Note: Previous evacuation orders for the Forest Glen Community have been lifted.)
Evacuation Warnings: Residents east of Collier Boulevard and south from Beck Boulevard to Rattlesnake Hammock Road have been advised to remain on high alert and closely monitor developments.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: A pet-friendly safe haven shelter has been opened for evacuees at the Golden Gate Community Center, located at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway in Naples. Evacuees are advised to bring their own necessary supplies.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Beck Boulevard is closed between Mannix Drive and Benfield Road, with the exception of local residents and first responders.
• Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) remains open at this time, but the Florida Highway Patrol is closely monitoring the situation due to heavy smoke near mile marker 98. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution and expect reduced visibility.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Current Wildfires
• Collier County Sheriff's Office
• Greater Naples Fire Rescue District

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Newman Dr Fire.
Structures Impacted: While the fire has threatened nearby residential communities and prompted the evacuation of homes and local horse barns, no structural damage has been reported at this time.
School and Business Closures: No major school closures have been officially announced, though local traffic and daily routines are heavily impacted by the ongoing emergency response and smoke.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning within the Picayune Strand State Forest, a critical wildlife management area, which makes the terrain heavily wooded and difficult for crews to access.

Safety Concerns:
Air Quality: Thick smoke from the fire is blanketing Naples and surrounding areas, significantly lowering visibility and air quality. Fire officials strongly warn that individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema, as well as those suffering from heart diseases, should stay indoors and keep away from smoke-affected areas to minimize exposure.
Power Outages: There are no widespread power outages reported in connection with this fire at this time.
Burn Bans and Fire Restrictions: Due to the extreme fire danger, residents are urged to strictly adhere to local burn restrictions. Conditions remain highly conducive to new forest fires, and outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have successfully increased containment to 60%, but they caution that the fight is far from over. Because the fire is burning in a heavily wooded, hard-to-reach area, and winds are expected to be variable, officials anticipate that smoky conditions will fluctuate over the coming days. Crews will continue working to strengthen the containment lines using heavy machinery.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Southwest Florida is experiencing a moderate to high risk of fire danger. Warm, breezy conditions are expected to persist, with high temperatures in the low 80s and sustained easterly winds pushing smoke toward Naples. Forecasters note there is no rain expected in the immediate forecast to assist with firefighting efforts.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Newman Dr Fire remains under investigation.
Weather and Climate: The fire's rapid spread is being heavily influenced by extreme drought conditions, dry air, low humidity, and strong onshore breezes. Florida is currently experiencing a historic drought affecting nearly 80% of the state in 2026—the most severe since 2012—with the southwest region facing its worst conditions since 2001. The broader climatic context features a persistent La Niña-like atmospheric pattern, which has led to above-normal temperatures and significantly reduced precipitation. Furthermore, the heavy fuel loads left behind by recent hurricanes were further dried out by several stretches of cold, windy weather and winter freezes, creating a "perfect storm" for a dangerous and highly active fire season.

For more information, visit:

• Florida Forest Service Current Wildfires
• Collier County Emergency Management
• Florida Disaster - Division of Emergency Management