Wildfire burns over 100 acres in Picayune Strand State Forest

No homes threatened, no injuries reported as crews battle blaze near Immokalee

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:14pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and orange, depicting a vast, hazy forest scene with the distant glow of a wildfire on the horizon, conveying the overwhelming power of nature.A raging wildfire in Florida's Picayune Strand State Forest serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat to the state's natural habitats.Immokalee Today

A wildfire has burned more than 100 acres in the Picayune Strand State Forest near Immokalee, Florida. Authorities say no homes are currently in the fire's path and there have been no reported injuries so far. The Florida Forest Service is leading the firefighting efforts to contain the blaze.

Why it matters

Wildfires in Florida's state forests and natural areas are a major concern, as they can quickly spread and threaten nearby communities. This fire in the Picayune Strand highlights the importance of forest management and firefighting resources to protect the state's valuable natural habitats.

The details

The fire started in the Picayune Strand State Forest, which is located just northeast of Immokalee in Collier County. Firefighters from the Florida Forest Service are working to contain the blaze, which has burned over 100 acres so far. No homes or structures are currently threatened by the fire, and there have been no reports of injuries.

  • The fire began on the afternoon of April 13, 2026.

The players

Florida Forest Service - Caloosahatchee Forestry Center

The regional office of the Florida Forest Service that serves Lee, Collier and Hendry counties, and is leading the firefighting efforts for this wildfire.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Firefighters will continue working to fully contain the wildfire and prevent it from spreading further into the Picayune Strand State Forest or threatening any nearby communities.

The takeaway

This wildfire serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for proactive forest management and firefighting resources to protect Florida's natural areas from the threat of dangerous blazes, especially during dry conditions.