A Smoky Southwest Florida (H. Michael Mogil, CCM, CBM, NWA-DS*)

H. Michael Mogil March 25, 2018

Southwest Florida typically goes through a springtime period in which brush and grassland fire danger soars. This is due to a prolonged dry season, warmer temperatures, and periods with lower dew point temperatures. These fires, while not caused by lightning, can be generated by a prescribed burn that goes awry, sparks from lawn mowers and other equipment, tossed cigarettes, and other factors. Whatever the cause, Spring’s windy conditions can help spread the flames.

This year, there is also the extra tinder deposited by Hurricane Irma last fall. That felled wood has seasoned over the winter and is now ready to burn.

During the past week, several fires (charring thousands of acres) have burned parts of southwest Florida, the most notable being in and near Picayune Strand State Forest. Smoke from these fires blanketed much of southern Collier County and spread across northern Collier County by sunset on Saturday (Mar. 24, 2018). Fig. 1 shows a weather satellite image from Saturday afternoon. The image clearly shows a smoke plume extending from Collier County westward into the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Early this Sunday morning (Mar. 25, 2018), smoke-filled skies were present over much of Collier County. Just head out and look to the skies. It will likely be impossible to see the stars anywhere within a 45 to 60 degree elevation angle due to smoke obscuration. Oh, and be prepared to smell the smoke, as well.

Local officials are advising anyone with respiratory or breathing problems to remain indoors and keep windows and doors closed.

Originally posted 3/25/18

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