What happened to all the comments?
I don't know if anyone is interested in reading them. If you are, try the following link: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/m...

I pray the firefighters have a good day and are able to put this one down.
God bless you all.

Thanks NDN Editor for adding the "200 acres" link as there were some very kind people offering assistance with pets.

Hope all stay safe. My thoughts to the families that have been affected by this fire.

The Estates Homeowners Association made a large delivery of food, water and soft drinks to Sabal Palm Elementary last night. There were also other organizations bringing food and other necessities.

ww2vet, thanks. We contribute to the Red Cross, but is there contact info for this group and a way to help them help those in need right now?

I heard from a friend living out there that the fire jumped a canal... Anybody know about that?

no jumping of any canal so far. seems under control considering i don't see a huge column from my house and i'm further east of sixth ave.

We were within the evacuation area last night, but fortunately, the fire never came near our home. How saddened I am to read this article and realize that the Steinheiser's lost their home. My daughter and Austin have been friends for several years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, and the many others who have been affected by this fire.
Thank you to the firefighters and police who worked so hard throughout the night.

@ #7:

Actually, the fire DID spot on the west side of the Miller canal yesterday evening, but that's been contained.

When is the cable going to come on? Power went on last night, cable is still off. Anyone know?

So my parents live on 4th N.E., our house survived the fire, and my father was at our house last night. He let my dog out to use the bathroom and it ran off, animal control found it later and gave us a citation because it's hips are old! The dog is keeshond (like a medum sized husky) that's over 16 human years old! We have 7 days to go get her checked (so they can tell us she's old and put her down of course). While my parents are worried about their home animal control is doing ridiculous things. Did you hear about them releasing pets into the wild?

A half acre brush fire turned into a 200 acre inferno, what a shame.

if they find out someone started this, they should beat them with rubber hoses

Your heartfelt wishes just have to go out to the homeowners and the folks that fight these things.

I'm ever so grateful to be just washing ash off my vehicle today....

results, supposedly it has grown to 800 acres.

Last night we had a friend who lives off of Everglades BLVD S.come to our home because she could not get to her home on 14th Ave. S.E.

Call the commissioners and let them know we need a bridge over the canal to connect Everglades Blvd. with DeSoto south of G G Blvd. If the fire was at DeSoto and the Blvd the people living south would not be able to leave!!!

Who cares about the cable being turned back on. Geez, be thankfull you still have a home to watch TV in.

#16 Tonywojo, they closed down Everglades Blvd. south of 4th SE I believe for the fire trucks. I left my home off 10th Ave. S.E. and couldn't get through, they were forcing people to go south on Everglades if they did decide to leave.
I will say this though, Everglades Blvd. at I 75 needs to be permanently opened . It was a mess last night. CCSO's / FHP "evacuation" route was interesting and enlightening at best.

The brushfires yesterday really opened my eyes on why I-75 needs to be opened again once and for all. Not when emergencies arise, and not at the discretion of FHP/CCSO and LEO personnel with a key to an access gate...

It is raining her at Randall and Desoto. I hope it goes towards the fire! Anyone over there right now, is it raining there?

Since I left Golden Gate in 1990, a lot has changed in the Estates. Many more homes, a lot more people, just to name a few. My heart goes out to all those who are affected by the brush fire. If it was purposely started, I hope they can bring the person or persons responsible to justice soon. I also pray for the safety of all of the firefighters, DOF, Sherrif's office, and other emergency services perosnnel involved in trying to protect the residents in GG Estates. Please listen to what those folks say and head their warnings. I remember several brush fires in that area back the the late 80's when I served with GGFD. I know what it's like being out there serving the community and appreciated the community support we received. Please provide whatever support you can to these folks while they do their best to save life and property.

Re the headline change: I heard the thunder. We do not need lightning now, just rain or no wind and high humidity.

It sure would be wonderful if there was some local news organization which could provide on going live coverage. I think NDN is doing a really good job on this story. I have friends in the Tampabay market and they have a dedicated channel (BayNews9) which covers a broad area almost down to Ft. Myers and up to Hernando then east to Polk. Any stories like this one with such consequence are covered minute to minute. The feasibility of this kind of venture may not fly because of the bottom line and tremendous costs to run such a station, but it sure would be wonderful in times of crisis.

Jadip811, our emails have been sent to support the permanent opening of the I-75 and Everglades exchange. The County Commission got copied as I concentrated on FDOT and state and federal legislators as well as the Governor. What you (?) described earlier show a very dangerous situation.

FYI to everyone - if you look on Yahoo groups,
NaplesFreeCycle, you'll see that people are offering assistance to the families who were affected by the fire. Very gracious - one woman in Valencia offered two of her bedrooms rent free in her home for up to a couple of months! or until the family gets their feet on the ground. I didn't realize people were that nice here in Naples!

So, c'mon rain! Ironically, we're scheduled to move one week from today. We live outside of the evac zone - live off Wilson - but I got everything of value packed up and ready to roll just in case the winds changed and it came our way. So surreal w/ the helicopter buzzing around and the smoke in the air. Didn't realize I'd be able to pack that fast.

I'm surprised there's only three homes destroyed. I didn't realize how the fire dept and home owners could protect houses like that. Pretty cool. Way to go GGFD and all the other volunteers who helped. Thanks!

This is so sad.

Maps showing impacted areas would be helpful.

Link to map of effected area.

http://www.nbc-2.com/News/stories/080...

I just drove out there to 22nd S.E. off the Blvd. They have brush trucks stationed at the beginning of 16th, 18th, 20th, and 22nd right now. Guess we'll wait and see...

My question is, was it really necessary for NDN to show the picture of the singed cat?

At least tell us "he's okay" or something.... People's nerves are already shot about the fire, we really don't need to see someone's beloved pet charred....

#13 NeezDutz, as long as the rubber hoses are black and have been left out in the sun all day so they are good and smoking hot, that sounds fair! Burning at the stake would be even better if someone set this fire (of course, let's keep the stake away from wooded areas!)! There wouldn't be punishment enough if someone did this on purpose.

Sunshineraider - There is a link above "Realted Links" - "Interactive Map" that not only shows the effected area, but has pop-ups on it with information from access points to where they are keeping found domestic animals. Check it out.

Budgets are tight, and there are other issues but there is still plenty of money to get the I-75 interchange built. Our elected leaders support it, the public wants it so why hasn't it been built? Our government by the people and for the people has turned over decision making authority to a few self-appointed people. We have allowed the Florida Wildlife Federation, Audubon and the Conservancy to have the final word in the decision making process. We stood by and allowed them take power, and have no one but ourselves to blame.

I would pay $1.50 to get in to town
Or should I say evacuate.

Just to be able to get on to 75 westbound to begin with would save a gallon of gas and missing a lot of lights.

At $4 a gallon now

A doller fifty?

I would pay $2 dollers and still save 2 dollers

Instead of paying the oil companys, I would like to put the money saved back into the county. Not send it out of the country

Dear Mr Gate attendent

I hope someone is out at the (Golden Gate) with a Key just after a hurricane,flood,fire ect.

Everglades South Evacuation Route NEEDED!

Someone with a key???

How much would you like per hour. 25% and we save the rest for later. :-0

LOL and people call me a tree hugger. Had a one on one after the last big fire with Nancy Payton, Florida Wildlie re the needed emergency exits ("you don't need exits-you shouldn't have lived out there"--Payton (yes she must live in an old glass house). Swampbuggy hit it on the head just fine.

Swamp4, skewed against those who apprciate the environment?
Read 'em Opening letter says it all.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/s...
Don't you hate when facts interupt the agenda?

naplestrek, Are you thinking that the rural departments should be able to fill up their tankers in town at a County or City hydrant? If so, I believe this is what is already done.

If you are thinking that additional hydrants need to be placed in the Estates, then there are problems:

Problem #1. Putting in hydrants would mean running water lines from the Estates to the County's water plant and back out again to the Estates.
Unless they are specifically marked otherwise, hydrants must connect to potable water
Connecting would be VERY expensive, I mean prohibitive for residents who would be bankrupted by the astronomical costs* to do so and believe me the County will not be paying the costs as they also cannot afford it. If you are going to dig up the world to put in water, it is likely that both water and sewer would go in.

*An estimate of the costs to run water and sewer to the Estates is over $100K per property (connection).

Problem #2. There is no capacity to add this amount of water output to the system.

Problem #3. Adding plants or plant capacity takes a lot of time and lots of money. Permits from FDEP, SFWMD and others all are required.

Problem #4. Making this kind of change to the Estates master plan would be a huge invitation for density increases and create even more incremental urban sprawl.

Water tankers do an amazing job. The firefighters are skilled, heroic and well trained. Believe it or not there is not a lot of savings when it comes to homeowner's insurance when the districts are so versed in fighting brush fires.
Water isn't the only way to stop a fire.

Firewise landscaping helps. Keeping a defensible perimeter and following the tips offered online at the GGFD site or Forestry site will help a great deal.

God bless the firefighters and all who support them!

Doingmyownthing, the citation was probably from the dog running loose. Ive never heard of Animal Control giving a citation for a 7 yr old dog (that is not old,my dogs lived to be 14 and were large) for having bad hips. She was able to run away, so not sure how she has bad hips. I heard they were letting animals loose

Pigsaw...there are people who have lost homes and you are asking about cable???

Yeah dude...I want my MTV.

My prayers go out to the families of the Estates.

If anything, this will prompt a closer look at an entrance ramp for evacuations.

Naplestrek, I agree with you 110% that water sources should be looked into for this area. The population is growing, despite the housing market.

Water protection for these homes should be a requisite before building any new homes at least.

The sooner this happens, the safer everyone will be.

beetlejuice please read the comments I made in #36 about infrastructure, the related costs and problems. It simply isn't feasible to provide "water protection". Another consideration is that any change to the Master plan for GGE would need to be accepted by DCA. DCA is not likely to accept this kind of change at least for the foreseeable future. Collier County got in trouble in the past for pushing urbanization further east.

People have lived on farms and in rural, semi rural areas for years. Understanding the risks and benefits of living in the Estates is part of living here. Again, the key is to practice firewise landscaping and to have an emergency plan. Keeping flammable liquids in a cabinet designed to prevent accidental ignition, not using propane for grilling (the tanks are potential bombs in a fire) and following the recommendations of your local fire agency will keep people safer.

The Estates is not the city, it is not a "suburb" but a semi rural semi agricultural/residential platted subdivision with a master plan that does not have the same infrastructure that the urban area has, nor should it. If it had been developed out as the original developers had planned before they went belly up and DCA slowed down the county, we would be Miami West.

There is a need for an exchange at I-75 and Everglades for safety. This exchange would not change the GGE master plan because it does not add infrastructure to increase density. I don't believe DCA can object to this reconnection.

Understanding fire ecology will also help people stay safer Since it is undesirable to have brush fires where we live, mechanical removal of fuel (brush) is the key.

"and DCA slowed down the county" forgot NOT. and if DCA had NOT slowed down the county...

HOORAY FOR FIREFIGHTERS!!! THE ONLY TRUE HEROES IN TODAYS SOCIETY!!!!
Thank God no one was hurt and the damaged homes were minimal, my heart goes out to those families, I cannot begin to imagine what they must be feeling.

All of you that have commented on the I75 ramp issue take note: we need to stand up and be counted! There are thousands of families living here in the estates and the county seems to forget there is great potential for loss of human life in cases like this. We (estate residents) need to come together and take this matter up before the county commisioners. This fire could have been worse. Those that were in the midst of it know how fast a fire moves. In the event of a more massive fire we shouldn't have to be driving in circles trying to figure out which way to get to safety. What if the fire had moved further north? Sabal Palm Elem., which was used as an evacuation shelter would have been in danger also!
LET'S TAKE ACTION! DON'T LET THIS BECOME YESTERDAYS NEWS!

according to the collier county website...
The Board is the chief policy-making body of Collier County, responsible for providing services to protect the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of the citizens of Collier County.
Let's get the I75/Everglades exchange built!!!!

County commission district 5 commissioner email - JimColetta@colliergov.net
next meeting is June 10 at 9 am
3301 E Tamiami Trail, 3rd floor

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!!! YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!!!

I just want to take this opportunity to thank all the firefighters, the Sheriffs department, the Red Cross and everyone else involved for doing a terrific job in protecting the residents and homes involved in this tragic event. It's pretty scary when a sheriff knocks on the door and says you have 5 minutes to get out of the house and you see a wall of fire coming at your house. These dedicated men and women really deserve a round of applause for their hard work and dedication. I cannot express enough our gratitude for their hard work. I am very disappointed in our county government for all the funds spent on beautifying Naples and the little amount they fund towards protecting our residents out here in the estates. How much was spent to landscape the new Golden Gate overpass again? When will the citizens of Collier County have a say in where our tax money is spent? Let's get our priorities straight here and put people and safety ahead of beautifying the medians. A lot of people could have potentially lost their lives and their homes in this raging wild fire so what is the county planning on doing to help better protect us in the future? Again, thanks to everyone involved in saving our lives and our homes. My thoughts and prayers to those who did not come out as well as others. Hopefully everything works out well for you in rebuilding your homes and your lives.

Thank u to all the firefighters who risk their lives to help the citizens of collier county. Also thank u to the American Red Cross for all their assistance of helping the families in need. Please donate freely to help the Red Cross continue in their efforts. Call 239-596-6868 to see how u can help.

I haven't seen anyone mention the true problem...the fuel source. How about a movement to change the Collier County rule that a property owner in the estates is only allowed to clear 1 acre? At least recognize the fact that the Estates will never be what it was and allow the owners to clear a 30' fire break around their property. This fire grew to 800 acres because it was able to do so moving across boundary lines with nothing to slow or stop it. The 1 acre restriction is ridiculous and has only encouraged this fire and those in the future. This is the issue that will have Commissioner's support because it is feasible and won't cost the County anything. It will only save the County money in the long run. I don't liveinyour community, I moved because I feared the possibility of fire and the lack of evacuation routes (think hurricane as well) but I really hope someone brings up this issue to the Commissioners at the next hearing. I75? it will take too long, this project could be started tomorrow with an emergency resolution from our Commissioners. Good Luck,I wish you the best.

#21 Posted by BlueTonguedVole

I wasn't real thrilled nor content with the way things were handled the other night. Was very trying to see how poorly it was handled. The fire just happened to be in an area where it blocked off all of the Everglades residences south of the fire. Was in just the right key location. I always figured if there was a major fire or emergency, jump on Golden Gate Blvd. or Desoto or Everglades and head north but this incident was very enlightening.
I'm going to make it a point to drop an email to Colletta and voice my disapproval. So tired of politics here that revolve around money rather then the general publics best interests.

If this isn't a good enough reason to open I 75 permanently I don't know what is...

My condolences to the families for your losses. Hopefully the insurance is up to date and active.
Maybe explore homes elsewhere, take the money and run. Take this as a blessing and get out of Collier if you so choose.
Maybe see if the grass is greener elsewhere...

BTV..as always your posts are thoughtful, educational and spot on to the topic of the article.

Again, all I can say about this is how sad these people lost their homes.

Just came off of shift and had to get a nap in when I got home. We were out there all day yesterday finishing up the job. But I have to say that for the most part all of the work was done the night before by the firefighters on duty. Those guys and gals did an awesome job. To see that only 3 homes were lost was remarkable. The number could have been 10 times that, but they were definetly on top of their game. Also, just a quick point. It was not just Golden Gate fire dpartment but many different agencies all working together. The most important thing is no one was inuried or killed. It does look like a war zone out there. It felt like every resident in GG was home yesterday. But their support and encouragemnt was outstanding. Everyone was thanking us, and bringing us water, and offering food. I saw neighbors riding on 4 wheelers going house to house helping each other. Truly a community coming together. Again though, the real thanks needs to go to the firefighters on duty that night. I don't want to start a big debate or throw a "we told you so" into this mess because I want to still be respectful of the people who have suffered a huge loss, but think about this. My fire department has lost 4 firefighters due to retirement, 2 on my shift alone. We have not replaced them becasue of the tax cuts. Fortunetly for us we will probably not have to let any guys go but some fire departments in this area might have too. Also there is a hiring freeze right now until we can afford to hire more people, again the result of the tax cuts. Now don't get me wrong, I want a break on taxes just like the next person. I am a homeowner in Naples and it is not easy making ends meet. But this tax reform was not the answer. We saved a few hundred bucks at most. Is that really worth cutting your special services? I don't think the residents of the estates think so. The ONLY good thing about that plan was the porability of homestead. Just think if we had replaced those 4 people we lost. Then take all 8 of the other fire deparments and multiple tht number. That's 36 more firefighters( if my math is right, remember I went to CCPS!LOL) Could they have saved thoses 3 houses? Maybe, I would like to think so. Also, this cuts back on the equipment we are able to purchase, including more brush trucks. Just a few things I wanted to point out. Next time the state talks about tax cuts, make sure it doesn't involve cutting your services.

Good post Naplesborn. The personnel on duty Thursday night did a unbelievable job. It was a massive effort of every emergency agency in Collier and several agencies from Lee. I dont believe that many people truly understand just how much manpower and equipment it takes to bring something this size under control. It is remarkable that only three houses were lost. Everyone truly put their best foot forward.

I hope that this sad incident will help the public understand and appreciate just how much their local safety forces do in a time of emergency.

My thoughts and prayers to the residents for their loses and my many thanks to all those who worked so hard on this incident.

I just got an e-mail about a big fundraising event planned for next Saturday at the fairgrounds from 11-4. Hot dogs, hamburgers, music, bounce houses for the kids. Also all first responders will be honored for thier hard work.
It is sponsored by the Homeowners Association of Golden Gate Estates in partnership with The Collier County Fair Board, Commissioner Jim Coletta and Florida Community Bank.

Hi would anyone post a timeline and actions taken. I do not mean to be critical about jumping on a fire but well it is a FIRE. Cannot use canal water as it will contamate the trucks and might uh MIGHT backflow when hooked to a fire hydrant that is under city water pressure. Uh what do these guys do back at the station? Could they not take the access covers off the tanks break out a few scrub brushes and Bleach? If you want to talk about backflow what about the case of the accedental cross connection (re-use irrigation water to fresh drinking water) that was done in east naples for a few years that was discovered and corrected a while ago. That sickened a few people but did not kill anyone. So some cannal muck in a fire engine might backflow if ( IF ) the city water lines lost pressure while they are fighting annother fire in the city and no one realized that they lost water. But then the firefighters would have no water ether. And they could tell the water gods (the water department) that oops better issue a boil water notice and purge your lines caus we just made a mess of things. What boils me is the poor guy and his son in North Naples that had a house fire but North Naples Fire Department would not pump til they were connected to the water main. The truck has 500 GALLONS in its tank the concept usually is use that 500 gallons on a 3/4 booster line going and you can catch the fire before the house is en-gulfed in flame. And while that small line is pumping get hooked in to the city water lines and get the big guns going. If your fire mans feet are on the ground while holding a big hose you need to throttle up a little so they are hovering in air. That always gets good conversation going at the station. Back to the North Naples guy with the house fire. It just happened that this guy was retired from a northren state fire dept and actually knew how to run the big red truck but he and his son got a free escort directly to jail for freaking out at the incompentence as his house burned down when he could have saved it with minimal damage. I am saying it is a managment problem starting with the 20 year retirement. It seems like managment indicates they believe that after you are 20 years on the force you are too stupid to continue to serve. Well hey those greyhairs really know their stuff they can say Son don't do it that way I did and see that burn/scar or worse. What happend to the Volunteer Firemen????? Station by station slowly killed that program. The estates would be better served by Volunteer firemen as they bravely did in the past. A new twist would be A Hale fire pump in each volunteer's truck with a bunch of hose. The volunteer is to get the small pump to a canal (which fire trucks will not use for water) and start driving as the hose rips out of the truck. Usually in fire fighting the idea is get set up quick and get water on fire ASAP. Aircraft and Multi agency communications not needed if you can act quickly.

Emmydevoe, thanks for your comments.

About clearing more than an acre. I believe you can (without a permit) remove 'fire ladders" aka vines, cut back saw palmettos and clean up the other fuel such as pine needles, palmetto fronds and other dead vegetation. The article on pruning in the Home section of the paper is important, too. Don't over prune trees but there are ways to help assure long term health for the trees if the pruning is done correctly. Healthy native Florida trees are more resistant to pests, drought, fire and wind.

Even with the limitation of one acre of clearing, you can have a firewise landscape: Check out these websites, please:
http://www.ggfire.com/brushfires.htm

http://www.fl-dof.com/wildfire/firewi...

http://www.fl-dof.com/wildfire/firewi...

Florida's natural community is designed to burn. Fire ecology is essential to the entire ecosystem. Now that being said, you don't have to endure the risk and danger of a brush fire. Talk to your local fire department prevention officer (in this case GGFD or even a forestry department educator) to find get more information about how you can mechanically remove fuel and provide a defensible space around your home.

The hardwork and excellent perfomance by the firefighters goes a long way here....

That fire broke out in the afternoon and was going on through the night and only 3 houses were lost.

That is an amazing job of responding to an emergency

The rain today was welcomed.

Naplesbornfirefighter, can you please pass along a huge thank you to your brothers and sisters who protected our homes?

Thanks for the info on the fundraiser,ww2vet. I answered a post to you on another topic, but I don't know if you saw it. I hope you will check out my answer about an individual you thought lived outside of the Estates. I did a bit of research and found out something you need to know as I think you believe in finding out the truth.
Please see my comment # 19 and #20 here: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/m...

ecoterror asked a great question about RCW (red cockaded woodpecker) nests. I don't know for sure, but it appeared that the mature tall pines did not burn. Can someone confirm this or elaborate? If these trees are still standing the birds should be fine. RCWs forage on our property, but as far as I can tell none of our big pines have been hollowed for a nest.

I did notice that the day of the fire I had MANY more birds, and other critters visiting our property. We have a water source and lots of plants which provide food (firewise plants near the house).

Florida's native animals are adapted to fire, drought and other extreme conditions. Only when their habitat is totally destroyed by clearing the earth of native plants do they have a problems surviving.

I hope you explore the Florida Division of Forestry links I put in #55. There is a lot of information to help residents who live in forested areas such as the Estates. I love where I live. Each year I learn more about being firewise.

"There is a need for an exchange at I-75 and Everglades for safety. This exchange would not change the GGE master plan because it does not add infrastructure to increase density. I don't believe DCA can object to this reconnection."

Vole, you're wrong. If you live where such an interchange is needed for safety, you're living beyond the line at which this community decided years ago to stop providing inducements to development.

Now that everybody's out there and in need of a back door, we want to revisit the issue. I understand that. But by the rules of logic and the law, those who need the interchange should never have built where they are. And adding the interchange will only move the next "negotiation" farther out into the Glades.

You seem to respect the land you occupy. Surely you understand that perpetual capitulation will lead, indeed, to Miami West.

I agree with elnuestros on the above.

The exit ramp is really needed right now not matter where one lives in the Estates.

Not eight to ten years from now.

But RIGHT NOW.

Are you reading this or listening Mr. Christ?

I don't think so.

Donations to the “Estates Fire Relief Fund” can be made at any Florida Community Bank. The fund will help families that have lost their homes or suffered damages to their homes. Donation buckets will also be set out at area businesses.

The HomeOwners Association of Golden Gate Estates and the Collier County Fair Board plans to host a fund raiser to benefit the residents of Golden Gate Estates who suffered a loss in the fires. The fundraiser will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Collier County Fair Grounds.

Recognition will also be given to the many emergency responders. The event will include food and drinks, a bounce house and other entertainment.

Naplesbornfirefighter....at least you have a home to nap in.

We don't want to read your blah, blah, blah, whining.

You were getting paid to be there.

Do your job and get over yourself.

Thanks though for the diatribe and for your hard work as a firefighter.

Beetlejuice

Yes I do have a home to nap in. Which I am very grateful for.(My wife and I, who is a TEACHER, work very hard for it) And yes I was getting paid. But in no portion of my blog did I toot my on own horn. I CLEARLY stated that the real work was done the night before by my fellow brothers and sisters. My bolg was simply to state the fact that the reduction of special services is a DISSERVICE to this community. Never in my blog was I WHINNING like you stated. However, I was just trying to point out the fact that tax cuts have affected our bugets and hindered the level of service we can provide. I would like to ask... what service do you provide to this community? But I don't need a reply because by your comments you have painted the perfect picture of ingnorance and stupidity. Please get over YOURSELF.

Some organizations only talk about community service. Few actually make it happen. Thank you to the Homeowners Association of Golden Gate Estates, and Collier Youth Sports. Both delivered food to the residents that were evacuated from thier homes during the fire. The Homeowners Association along with Commissioner Jim Coletta were out placing collection buckets in area businesses on Saturday. Please give generously.

Thanks ww2vet from post # 62

Donations to the “Estates Fire Relief Fund” can be made at any Florida Community Bank. The fund will help families that have lost their homes or suffered damages to their homes. Donation buckets will also be set out at area businesses.

The HomeOwners Association of Golden Gate Estates and the Collier County Fair Board plans to host a fund raiser to benefit the residents of Golden Gate Estates who suffered a loss in the fires. The fundraiser will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at the Collier County Fair Grounds.

Recognition will also be given to the many emergency responders. The event will include food and drinks, a bounce house and other entertainment.

I found a dog/puppy recently and am thinking it may be a victim of the fire.

Anyone missing a dog since the fire? Email me at part11validation@yahoo.com to describe. Thanks.

Any word on the fate of nesting red-cockaded woodpeckers in the area?

#46 Posted by ecoterror on May 31, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ecoterror,
You are right to be concerned about the welfare of this endangered species during nesting season, as the chicks are helpless until they fledge at about 28 days. As far as I know, there are no nesting RCW's in North Golden Gate Estates (the closest nesting pairs are in Picayune Strand State Forest and in lands north of I-75 by the toll booth, which are both over 4 miles away). I am not doubting that there could be RCW's in this area, but there are several other woodpeckers that people may confuse as RCW's. For more info and ID, go to: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/factshe...

Also, check out the great wildlife posters NDN put together showcasing animals in our area! One of the posters highlights woodpeckers, so that you can see them side-by-side!

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This is in response to #55 posted May 31 @ 608P.M. I am a 9 year professional Firefighter that comes from a line of devoted family Firefighters and I have a few issues I would like to address about the ignorance you have portrayed in your post. I don’t usually reply to a post like yours but seems how you have attacked my profession, my family and my way of life I feel obligated. First off we pull water from canals during brush fires on a regular basis, as a matter of fact we pull water from swimming pools if we really need to. I don’t know if you have noticed a majority of the canals in that area happen to be empty or too low to recover the water. I can assure the last thing the individuals working these fires are thinking about is contaminating a water source. By the way we can’t take the top of a tank off and clean the inside. To answered your question about what we do at the station when were not running calls we train. If you weren’t aware the departments around the country provide advanced life support services. These services provide life saving procedures, it takes an abundance of skilled training to be proficient during medical emergencies, we use our training to save life’s. Now to the Naples Park fire. By the way I was the first due responder to the Naples Park fire you refer to in your post and I have a few corrections to make for you. You are very mistaken about the events that had taken place that night so lets get started. Yes that truck did have 500 gallons of water in it and your are wrong we did use the tank water right away as our departments Tactical Guidelines state we do on every single family home. That’s what professionals do we have guidelines. We train on them and we become very proficient at our skills. I was the first individual to pull a hose on that fire and by the way we do not carry ¾ booster lines on Engines any longer and we sure won’t fight structure fires with such a line that’s how people get killed and don‘t return home to tuck there kids into bed. We used a 1 ¾ inch line that supplies water at 160 gallons per minute and shortly after followed by multiple 2 ½ inch line supplying 250GPM. Now you do the math 160 GPM with a 500 gallon tank that’s not much time, about 3 minutes. As I was deploying the line that night a subject attacked me trying to remove the nozzle from my hand, needless to say not a smart move trying to take a nozzle from a firefighter during a fire. The deputies asked the man to step back at which point the subject began to fight the deputies mistake #2 for the night.
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2 of 3………continued from above……….I sure don’t know which fire department these fellows retired from but I can assure you it wasn’t a professional organization.  You forgot to mention the fact we saved the house with minimal damage to the main structure.    I really am having a hard time understanding how the two subjects whose house was on fire could judge North Naples level of competency as they spent the entire event in a cop car.  As far as pumping the line till the firefighters feet come off the ground that’s not so intelligent considering a fire hose outputs it’s maximum gallons per minute at 150 psi.  I have studied a bit of fire behavior in my day, because that’s what professional fire fighters due advance themselves through  knowledge, and I know that gallons of water put out fires not pressure.  I could go on for a long time about this event but we will move on to your next problem 20 year retirement.  Your facts couldn’t be any more skewed on this issue due to the fact that we have a 25 year retirement program that does not force anyone to retire at any age or time.  I plan on doing 30 years with my organization as long as my health allows me to.  I invite you to find a contract in SW Florida that forces retirement on any member do to years served or age, you won’t.  As a matter a fact I will be working tomorrow with a Captain that has 24 years of respected service and plans on a few more before retirement.  You want to talk about the old ways in the fire houses and how it used to be.  I’ve been raised in fire houses my whole life and I can assure you the old hard nose fire fighters still exist today but now they pride themselves on hard work and knowledge not stupidity.  ………..continued on the next post………………

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As far as the issue of Volunteer Fire Houses go they have there places. I happen to have family members and many friends who are volunteer fire fighters across this country, but if you thank a volunteer fire department can affectively serve a population of this size your crazy. The level of service you receive from a professional organization is far more superior. You give me a call next time you go to your volunteer doctor or surgeon and let me know how that went for you. I’m not sure what you do for a living but would you volunteer to do it without pay. We are one of eight fire districts in Collier and we ran 12,000 calls last year out of 7 stations do you think a volunteer service could handle that in SW Florida, people have to work for a living. If you would like to give me your phone number I would be glad to call you every tim