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Brush fires threaten Golden Gate homes and church
Blazes labeled suspicious
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All is forgiven for Sunday night’s lawn watering at Parkway Community Church of God.
Firefighters were dousing the lawn to prevent fire 100 feet away from reaching the church at 5975 Golden Gate Parkway. Firefighters were working to stop a 20-acre brush fire from damaging buildings that included the Golden Gate church and nearby homes.
Firefighters said four fires in the same area since 10:30 a.m. Sunday made them suspicious. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office was investigating.
The recent lawn watering restrictions were suspended at the church, for the night at least, because it has an odd-numbered address and Sunday was the 22nd.
Winds of around 15 mph made controlling the brush fire even harder.
"Once it gets started it can spread in these wind conditions," said Greg Speers, the East Naples Fire District’s public information officer.
"It’s very hard to control. It just takes a spark to start something like this."
Dozens watched along Golden Gate Parkway as flames shot high in the sky with each wind gust.
Judy Puig, 44, and her husband Brian Puig, 50, who live in Golden Gate near Golden Terrace Elementary, said they saw the flames and decided to watch the fire and be nosy.
They also said some of their co-workers live in the neighborhood threatened from the fires.
Photo Gallery
Golden Gate Parkway brush fire
Firefighters from multiple agencies worked the scene of a 20-acre brushfire along Golden Gate Parkway near the new I-75 interchange.
"It’s pretty scary when you see the flames in the sky. It’s like, ‘Wow’ "Judy Puig said.
"It’s Earth Day today. It’s not supposed to be doing this on Earth Day."
Tammy Arnold, who lives in Golden Gate, watched firefighters battle the blaze with family members. She said some family members attend Parkway Community Church of God.
She said she was surprised that firefighters didn’t water the church earlier in the night.
East Naples fire was managing the blaze, with assistance from Golden Gate, North Naples and Big Corkscrew fire districts. The state Division of Forestry also helped, along with the Sheriff’s Office.
At one point during the night, firefighters reported saving one home by dousing a fire but they ran out of water.
"You could lose a home in a minute under the right conditions," Speers said.
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That guy in the photo is violating the watering laws! : )
#1 Posted by cheetahtomoh on April 22, 2007 at 11:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Can we all just be thankful that no one was injured including the firefighters - and that not one home was damaged. Do they really need to write about the water restrictions AS IF, sorry you are out of luck tonight, you are on the wrong street on the wrong night and we just can't battle this fire at this time. We'll come back tomorrow, here's my card! I don't even live there but happened to be driving by, made me upset for all those people.
#2 Posted by BCBT on April 23, 2007 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks to all the firefighters who responed to this fire and kept it under control. Be thankful no one was injuried and no real property lose.
To whoever keeps starting these fires I hope that you are caught and have to pay a heavy price. You have no idea what you could cause by setting these fires.
Everyone needs to be alert right now while it is so dry.
#3 Posted by swfl_ff on April 23, 2007 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Three cheers for the fire fighters!
It's great to know your there!
#4 Posted by Native on April 23, 2007 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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