FORT MYERS, Fla. – April and May are the driest months in Southwest Florida, experts said.
The dry conditions make it easier for brush fires to form and spread quickly.
All it takes to ignite a blaze is a muffler from an ATV or the butt of a cigarette, so fire officials are requesting residents be very careful.
Stories you need to know

Liam, cat burned in Golden Gate Estates brush fire, dies from injuries
Liam, the 4-year-old cat badly burned on his paws during a large brush fire in Golden Gate Estates, died from his injuries on Wednesday.

Collier County beaches continue recovery during peak tourism season
It’s spring break in Southwest Florida with tourists and seasonal visitors flocking to Collier County. Although Hurricane Ian ripped through the Gulf Coast six months ago, heavy traffic and long waits at restaurants demonstrate damage from the storm won’t deter those wanting to visit the Paradise Coast. There is one part of the community that […]

Cat recovering from Golden Gate brush fire injuries
A cat that survived a fire is called a warrior by the people caring for him. On Wednesday, The Collier County Domestic Animal Services shared that Liam returned from the vet center with an ongoing treatment plan and continues to improve daily. Liam is getting care from the director of the Collier County Domestic Animal […]

Sanibel Fire saves 7 from debris-filled waters after nighttime crash
Firefighters warn of hazardous debris left behind by Hurricane Ian after a boat carrying seven people crashed into an empty sailboat on Sunday night between Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach.
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Body of Florida toddler found in alligator jaws after search
The body of a 2-year-old Florida boy who had been the subject of a frantic search after his mother was slain was found Friday in a lake in the jaws of an alligator, police said. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway also said the boy’s father, 21-year-old Thomas Mosley, will be charged with two counts […]

Hurricane Ian memorial event, Together in Prayer, in downtown Fort Myers
Six months since Hurricane Ian hit the shores of Southwest Florida, the community is coming together to share in the feeling of unity and prayer. A memorial in Centennial Park after Ian gave people a place to mourn their loved ones and losses. Six months later, religious leaders in the community organized the “together in […]

Parents grieve Cape Coral soldier killed in Kentucky Blackhawk crash
32-year-old Aaron Healy from Cape Coral was among nine soldiers killed in a helicopter crash near Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on Wednesday.

Missing Pinellas County 2-year-old found dead in alligator’s mouth
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says the 2-year-old boy missing from Pinellas County has been found dead.