Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District holding controlled burn exercises this week

Apr 7, 2026 By Nathan Mayberg 2 min read

The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District will be holding controlled burns and other exercises at this 71 Miramar Street home through Friday. The exercises will run from 8 a.m. to noon each day. Photo by Nathan Mayberg

The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District will be holding controlled burn exercises this week on Miramar Street.

The controlled fires, which started Tuesday, will continue this morning through Friday. The controlled fires, and fire department training will last from 8 a.m. to noon each day.

The building that will be used for the training and controlled fires is located at 71 Miramar Street, on the Gulf side behind the Quicky Cycles bike rental trailers that front Estero Boulevard.

“We’re not burning it down. There will be small controlled fires inside to create some smoke and heat,” Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth said.

The department informed residents in a letter that there could be some increased traffic in the area due to the work of the departments and vehicles going in and out of the area.

There may be a smell of smoke to those residing, visiting or passing by the area, the department said in the letter.

Kevin Sears, assistant chief of fire training and education, said “it is an invaluable opportunity for the critical skills development of our firefighters.” Sears said the department is also looking for other buildings slated for demolition to use for training exercises.