Prescribed Fire Program
Prescribed Fire Program
Prescribed fire, also known as controlled burning, refers to the controlled application of fire by a team of fire experts under specific weather conditions that help restore health to fire-adapted environments. The Conservation Collier Prescribed Fire Burn Program has been conducting prescribed burns for the past 16 years, accomplished by certified staff members and inter-agency partners. The use of prescribed fire on County preserves can reduce the threat of wildfire to the community, maintain habitat for fire-dependent plant and animal species, and is the most cost-effective method for long-term land management and restoration in comparison to mechanical and chemical means.
Prescribed Burns Scheduled Between August and October 2025
| Preserve |
Address |
| Caracara Prairie Preserve |
3980 CR 850 (Corkscrew Road) Immokalee, FL |
| Railhead Scrub Preserve |
15000 Old 41 Road, Naples, FL |
| Pepper Ranch Preserve |
6315 Pepper Road, Immokalee, FL |
| Nancy Payton Preserve |
1540 Blue Sage Drive, Naples, FL |
Public Notice:
If weather conditions allow, prescribed burns may occur on the preserves listed above beginning around 9 a.m. and are only conducted with Florida Forest Service authorization. Nearby preserve residents will receive a postal notification before the prescribed burns occur. Smoke management plans are in place for each burn conducted, but sensitive individuals should take precautions. A safety reminder is to always drive with your vehicle's headlights on in smoky areas and watch for heavy equipment movement, other fire-related vehicles, machinery, and the burn crew near the preserve.
How Can I Check for Active Prescribed Burns or Smoke?
Have additional questions about prescribed fire?
Office Phone: 239-252-2961 (M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
E-Mail: conservationcollier@collier.gov