Illegal Campfire Blamed for 36-Acre Cape Coral Brush Fire

Firefighters warn of severe drought conditions as they battle hot spots

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Firefighters in Cape Coral, Florida have determined that an illegal campfire was the cause of a 36-acre brush fire that sent smoke across the city on Saturday, February 28. The fire was 95% contained by late Saturday, but firefighters continued to monitor the site and combat hot spots on Sunday morning.

Why it matters

Cape Coral and all of Lee County are currently under a burn ban due to severe drought conditions, with 2025 being one of the 7 driest years on record. Illegal open flames like campfires pose a serious risk of sparking larger fires that could threaten homes and businesses in the area.

The details

The brush fire grew to about 14 acres around 1 PM on Saturday, causing visibility issues and prompting officials to shut down a section of Del Parado Boulevard. The road was reopened hours later, but firefighters from the Cape Coral Fire Department and the Florida Forestry Service continued working through the night to fully contain the fire. Investigators determined that an illegal campfire was the cause of the blaze.

  • The fire was reported around 1 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • By late Saturday, the fire was 95% contained.
  • Firefighters continued monitoring the site and combating hot spots on Sunday morning.

The players

Cape Coral Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and helped contain the brush fire.

Florida Forestry Service

The state agency that assisted the Cape Coral Fire Department in battling the brush fire.

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What they’re saying

“No open flames are permitted to prevent fires like Saturday's, the department said, saying it had the potential to threaten homes and businesses.”

— Cape Coral Fire Department (news-press.com)

What’s next

Firefighters will continue monitoring the site and combating any remaining hot spots to ensure the fire is fully extinguished.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the severe drought conditions in Cape Coral and the surrounding Lee County area, and the importance of strictly enforcing burn bans to prevent potentially devastating wildfires. Residents must be vigilant about avoiding any open flames or other activities that could spark a fire during these dry conditions.