If you woke up today in Lee County and smelled that distinct, acrid scent of burning wood or plastic, you aren't alone. Seeing smoke on the horizon in Southwest Florida is usually enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat, especially with how dry things have been lately. Honestly, it’s been a weird start to 2026. Between the fluctuating humidity and the typical winter "dry season" kicks, the fire in Fort Myers today has a lot of people checking their weather apps and local news feeds every ten minutes.
It’s not just one big blaze. That’s the thing.
When we talk about a fire in Fort Myers today, we’re often looking at a combination of things: small brush fires, the aftermath of recent structure incidents, and those "prescribed burns" that the Florida Forest Service loves to do this time of year. Just this morning, reports from the Florida Highway Patrol showed a brush fire incident being monitored, and if you’re driving near the outskirts of town or heading toward Lehigh, the haze is definitely noticeable.
The SalusCare Incident and the "Suspicious" Label
One of the biggest stories still circulating in the community involves the fire that broke out at the SalusCare facility on Deer Run Farms Road. While it happened just a few days ago, the ripple effects are very much part of the conversation in Fort Myers today. It wasn’t just a random accident. The Fire Marshal and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office flagged it as "suspicious" almost immediately.
Detectives actually arrested someone in connection to that one.
The good news? The sprinklers did exactly what they were supposed to do. They kept the flames contained to the area where they started, so the whole building didn't go up. But smoke and water damage are no joke. Even though patients are back inside, the facility is still dealing with the cleanup. It's a reminder of how quickly a small flame can turn into a massive emergency in a crowded facility.
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Why Does It Smell Like Smoke Everywhere?
Basically, it’s "Burn Season."
If you look at the Florida Forest Service maps for today, January 14, 2026, you’ll see several active permits for prescribed burns in the surrounding counties. Glades County has a few going right now—one is about 200 acres, and another is around 86 acres. When the wind shifts even slightly to the southwest, all that smoke drifts right over Fort Myers.
- Prescribed Burns: These are controlled. They clear out the "fuel" (dead leaves, dry grass) so that when a real wildfire hits, it doesn't have much to eat.
- Brush Fires: These are the ones that start from a tossed cigarette or a spark from a lawnmower. They’re unpredictable.
- Structure Fires: These are the townhomes and warehouses we've seen recently, like the electrical fire on Washington Avenue.
The air quality today isn't great, but it’s not "evacuate the city" bad. If you have asthma or any kind of lung issues, you’ve probably already noticed your chest feeling a bit tight. Experts usually suggest keeping the AC on "recirculate" so you aren't pulling that outside air directly into your living room.
Current Fire Risk and Weather Realities
The National Weather Service out of Tampa Bay—which covers our neck of the woods—is reporting pretty clear skies but low humidity. That’s the danger zone. When the humidity drops and the North/Northeast winds pick up, a tiny spark in a vacant lot can turn into a three-alarm fire in about twenty minutes.
The fire risk for today is sitting at "Moderate."
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That sounds low, but "moderate" in Florida means the vegetation is dry enough to carry a flame. We haven't had a massive soaking rain in a while. Most of the "fire in Fort Myers today" talk is centered around small, localized incidents, but the South Trail Fire & Rescue crews are staying on high alert. They recently had to close Station 62 on Sophomore Lane for some concrete repairs, but don't worry—the trucks are still running out of nearby stations.
What to Do If You See Smoke
Don't assume someone else has already called it in. If you see a column of black smoke (which usually means chemicals, tires, or a structure) or thick white/grey smoke (usually brush), call 911.
- Check the Lee County Pulse: This is a great tool for seeing real-time 911 dispatches.
- Look at the Wind Direction: If the smoke is coming from the Northeast, it’s likely the prescribed burns in Glades or Highlands County.
- Close Your Windows: It seems obvious, but people forget. Even if it feels nice outside, that fine particulate matter gets into your carpets and stays there.
Honestly, the biggest thing most of us are dealing with today is the haze. It makes for a pretty sunset, but it's a pain for anyone with allergies. If you’re driving on I-75 or the 41, be careful. Smoke can settle in low-lying areas, especially near the river, creating "superfog" conditions where visibility drops to zero in seconds.
Actionable Steps for Fort Myers Residents
Keeping your home safe doesn't require a fire science degree. It’s mostly common sense.
First, check your "defensible space." If you have piles of dead palm fronds or dry mulch pushed right up against your vinyl siding, move it. If a brush fire sparks nearby, those embers love to land in dry mulch.
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Second, make sure your smoke detectors aren't just decorative. Most people haven't changed their batteries since the last hurricane. Do it today.
Lastly, keep an eye on the official Lee County Public Safety alerts. They are much more reliable than what you'll find on a random Facebook group where people tend to panic. If there’s a real evacuation order or a major road closure due to a fire in Fort Myers today, that’s where it will show up first. Stay safe out there and maybe keep the windows shut until the wind shifts tomorrow.
Next Steps for Safety:
Check the current Florida Forest Service Fire Map to see if the smoke in your specific neighborhood is from a permitted burn. If you live near a wooded area, clear any dry debris at least 30 feet away from your home's foundation. Lastly, ensure your "recirculate" setting is active on your vehicle's climate control if you are driving through the hazy patches on I-75 to prevent inhaling fine ash.