Brush Fire Rages in Picayune Strand State Forest

Dramatic photos capture the blaze from the Gulf off Naples, Florida

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:19am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a vast, smoke-filled forest with the faint glow of flames barely visible through the hazy, turbulent sky, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural disaster.Aerial photos capture the scale and intensity of a large brush fire burning through the Picayune Strand State Forest near Naples, Florida.Naples Today

A brush fire has erupted in the Picayune Strand State Forest near Naples, Florida, growing to over 1,000 acres in size according to the Florida Forestry Service. Dramatic photos captured from boats in the Gulf of Mexico show the scale and intensity of the blaze, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.

Why it matters

Brush fires are a common occurrence in Florida, especially during the dry season, but this particular fire has grown rapidly and is threatening nearby residential areas. The Picayune Strand State Forest is a protected natural area, so the fire poses a risk to the local ecosystem and wildlife.

The details

The brush fire started on the evening of April 13 and has since grown to over 1,000 acres in size. Firefighters from the Florida Forestry Service are working to contain the blaze, but high winds and dry conditions have made it difficult to control. Several photos captured from boats in the Gulf of Mexico show the scale and intensity of the fire, with large plumes of smoke visible for miles.

  • The brush fire started on the evening of April 13, 2026.
  • As of April 13, the fire had grown to over 1,000 acres in size.

The players

Florida Forestry Service

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Florida's forests, including responding to wildfires.

Picayune Strand State Forest

A protected natural area near Naples, Florida that is now threatened by the ongoing brush fire.

Jeff Hare

A photographer who captured dramatic images of the brush fire from a boat in the Gulf of Mexico.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Firefighters from the Florida Forestry Service are continuing to battle the brush fire and work to contain the blaze. Residents in nearby areas have been advised to be prepared for potential evacuations if the fire continues to spread.

The takeaway

This brush fire serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of wildfires in Florida, especially during the dry season. The dramatic photos captured from the Gulf of Mexico highlight the scale and intensity of the blaze, underscoring the importance of effective forest management and fire prevention efforts to protect local communities and natural habitats.