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UPDATE 3/9/17:
Evacuations have been lifted for all residents as of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8. This includes the Club Naples RV Resort, the Panther’s Walk RV Resort and the homes on Benfield Road and Newman Drive.
Residents returning to their homes should understand that the area will be smoky and there may be hot spots in the area. Florida Power and Lighting is working to restore full power to the area but some homes may still be without.
The fire is now estimated to consume 7,500 acres and is 40 percent contained at this time.
The Picayune Strand fire is now consuming 7,500 acres in eastern Collier County and was only 40 percent contained, as of Wednesday afternoon. The wildfire has been burning since about 2 p.m. Sunday.
Evacuations
Update: Evacuations have been lifted for all communities as of 6 p.m. Wednesday
Evacuations have been lifted for the Forest Glen community and the Aventine at Naples Apartments.
For evacuees, two centers have been established—one at Golden Gate Community Center, and another at Eagle Lakes Community Park. Golden Gate Community Center is being used as a shelter.
Evacuees are not allowed to bring their pets to any shelters and are advised to find pet-friendly accommodations in the area.
If you have livestock, pets or property to protect from the fire, these people may be willing to help, according to the Naples Daily News:
· Todd Akers, text 239-825-2577 or private message on Facebook;
· Justin Holm, text 239-537-2645 or private message on Facebook;
· John Kuszlyk, 239-450-0492.
Travel
Update: I-75 has been reopened as of 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Collier Boulevard has reopened but I-75 remains closed from mile marker 80 to 101 in both directions. If you need to travel across the state there are optional routes available:
Detour routes
· Eastbound I-75 Traffic: Take Exit 105 (Golden Gate Parkway) to US-41 (Tamiami Trail). Turn left onto eastbound US-41. Take eastbound US-41 to SR-29. Turn left onto northbound SR-29. Take northbound SR-29 to I-75. Turn right onto the eastbound I-75 entrance ramp.
· Westbound I-75 Traffic: Take Exit 80 (State Road 29) north for a northern travel destination. For a southern travel destination (Naples), take SR-29 to US-41 (Tamiami Trail). Turn right onto US-41.
How to help
The South Florida Red Cross has sent volunteers to Collier County to help those affected by the Picayune Strand fire.
Volunteers will be providing assistance to first responders as well.
Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like wildfires and countless other crises can make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Stay up to date
An emergency hotline has been implemented for those with questions about the wildfire. The phone number is 239-252-8444 or dial 311 only if you're in Collier County.
Caloosahatchee Forestry Center
Facebook:
Immokalee Fire Control District
More information:
http://www.colliergov.net/Home/Components/News/News/33194/1536