Controlled Burns on Colonial Boulevard Raise Concerns During Lee County Burn Ban

Officials say the fires are part of a permitted land-clearing operation for new developments.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Controlled burns along Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida are raising questions from residents during Lee County's current burn ban. While the county prohibits activities like campfires and burning trash due to heightened fire risk, officials say the fires on Colonial Boulevard are legal and permitted as part of a land-clearing operation for upcoming development projects in the area.

Why it matters

The controlled burns on Colonial Boulevard highlight the tensions between development needs and public safety concerns during periods of heightened fire risk. While the fires are permitted, some residents remain cautious about the potential risks and want to see the burn ban taken more seriously by authorities.

The details

A Gulf Coast News viewer reported seeing a contractor working on a large property along Colonial Boulevard and State Road 82 over the past two days, with multiple large burn piles visible. Fort Myers Fire Marshal Rick Reynolds confirmed the activity is part of a permitted land-clearing operation by a professional company certified in land burning, who have obtained a permit from the Division of Forestry. The City of Fort Myers says several large development projects, including apartment complexes, are planned for the site.

  • Over the past two days, a contractor has been working on the land-clearing operation.

The players

Rick Reynolds

The Fort Myers Fire Marshal who confirmed the controlled burns are part of a permitted land-clearing operation.

Matthew Watson

A Lehigh Acres resident who questioned why firefighters were not on the scene addressing the controlled burns.

Saniah Seabrook

A resident who expressed concerns about the controlled burns, saying they need to be taken more seriously.

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What they’re saying

“If you see a fire, the first thing you think is, 'What the heck is going on over there?' They should have a fire unit looking at that.”

— Matthew Watson, Lehigh Acres Resident (Gulf Coast News)

“Like, where are the firefighters at? They should be around here somewhere doing something about this.”

— Saniah Seabrook, Resident (Gulf Coast News)

“They had to clear the land in order to build a project. A professional land-clearing company has been doing the work. They are certified in land burning and have a burning permit from the Division of Forestry.”

— Rick Reynolds, Fort Myers Fire Marshal (Gulf Coast News)

What’s next

Officials say residents may continue to see controlled burns on the site as development progresses, but stress that the countywide burn ban still applies to most residents and unauthorized fires could carry serious consequences.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the need for clear communication and coordination between authorities, developers, and the public when it comes to managing fire risks during periods of heightened danger. While the controlled burns may be permitted, some residents remain concerned about the potential escalation of the fires and want to see the burn ban taken more seriously overall.