‘116th Avenue SE’, ‘Greenway’ fires merge as smoke causes low visibility

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Deputies block traffic from a section of US 41 in Collier County Monday (March 26, 2018) due to bushfires. Credit: Chris Grisby/winknews.com

Crews are working to extinguish the flames of several fires burning in Collier and Hendry counties.

Eastbound US 41 was closed from San Marco Road to Port of the Islands due to zero visibility and flames near the road, but is back open as of 8 p.m. Monday.

MORE: Smoke closes Alligator Alley and US 41 in Collier County

Governor Rick Scott visited Southwest Florida and met with officials to tour the damage from the wildfires.

Officials are listing the official cause of the Flag Pond, Greenway and 116th Ave fires as lightning.

Collier County

‘Greenway’ fires

The “116th Avenue Southeast” and “Greenway” fires have merged and are now being classified as the “Greenway” fire, the Florida Forest Service said Monday via Twitter.

Eight acres have jumped over a portion of U.S. 41 and is 80 percent contained, according to forest officials.

The exact acreage of the two fires is unclear.

The “116th Avenue Southeast” fire has previously burned 8,000 acres and is 50 percent contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

A hunting camp was destroyed and one structure is threatened, Florida Forest Service officials said.

These flames of the “Greenway” fire were previously reported to have scorched 7,239 acres and is 25 percent contained, according to the Florida Forest Service.

An RV home was burned in Sabal Palm.

Greater Naples fire officials said residents and visitors in the Sabal Park, Verona Walk and Winding Cypress areas should stay alert.

Everglades Boulevard has closed, according to fire officials. 52nd Avenue to Sabal Palm remains shut down.

‘Flag Pond’ fire

This fire has burned 2,600 acres and is 100 percent contained as of Sunday, Greater Naples Fire said on Twitter.

Hendry County

‘West Boundary’ fire

This fire has charred 2,200 acres and is 50 percent contained, according to the Caloosahatchee Forestry Center

LEE COUNTY

‘Water Plant’ fire

This fire was extinguished but was rekindled Sunday afternoon. It burned 30 acres and is 100% contained as of 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Smoky conditions in SWFL

Fire crews are urging people to remain vigilant as smoke billows from fires burning across Southwest Florida.

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