Governor Scott Deploys Florida National Guard Resources In Response To Collier County Wildfires
Governor Rick Scott deployed Florida National Guard resources which have been on standby to respond and assist with evacuations, emergency management and firefighting in Collier County. This follows a briefing at the Greater Naples Fire Station on the 30th Street and Frangipani wildfires in Collier County by local fire officials, law enforcement, the Florida Forestry Service and local emergency management officials. Governor Scott recently directed the Florida National Guard to position a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter on standby for potential firefighting missions. Following today's deployment order by Governor Scott, and the order for the mandatory evacuation of more than 2,000 homes by Collier County officials, this UH-60 Blackhawk and four others will be activated and begin responding to firefighting missions in Collier County. In addition to the deployment of Florida National Guard resources, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) have begun ramping up additional units to assist with evacuations at Governor Scott's direction.
Governor Scott said, "Today, following a briefing with local fire officials, law enforcement, the Florida Forestry Service and local emergency management officials, I have directed the Florida National Guard to deploy additional resources to assist with evacuations, emergency management and firefighting in Collier County. When I declared a state of emergency, one UH-60 was placed on standby. Following my direction today, four more will be deployed for total of five UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters which will be instrumental in firefighting efforts in Collier County. I have also directed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to assist with evacuations.
"These wildfires are dangerous and if you're within the evacuation area, do not stay in your home. Be sure to follow the evacuation orders from local officials. If you know of any individuals within the evacuation zone, please reach out to them and make sure they are safe. It is important for everyone in Collier County to remain alert to local news and law enforcement announcements. The Florida National Guard, Red Cross and other emergency responders are securing shelters for families affected by the fires.
"We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Collier County and receive updates from fire officials on the status of these wildfires. The State of Florida will devote all necessary and available resources to fight these fires and keep communities in Collier County safe. We are praying for the safety of all the brave men and women fighting these dangerous fires and will provide further updates as the situation progresses.
Due to the ongoing wildfires throughout Florida, Governor Scott declared a state of emergency on April 11 which activated the Florida National Guard. Currently, the Golden Gate Community Center at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway is serving as a daytime shelter. Additionally, the Collier County Bureau of Emergency Service has a fire hotline at 239-252-8444 or 311 for county residents.
Updated: Wednesday, June 21, 2017
