The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a prescribed fire on a 71-acre site in Indian River County.
The burn is April 14 at the Sand Lake Restoration Area, located in the northeastern part of the property, west of Interstate 95 and south of Fellsmere, according to a news release from the district.
Prescribed fire applied in the Sand Lakes Restoration Area in Indian River County to reduce hazardous fuel loads, improve habitat conditions, and support the growth of native, fire-adapted vegetation.
The objective is to maintain fire-dependent natural communities and reduce hazardous fuel loads, mitigating the risk of future wildfires.
Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire to manage the effects of fire on the landscape.
The district ensures that wind and weather conditions are suitable before starting a burn to minimize the impact of smoke on residents and traffic.
Periodic prescribed fires improve the environmental quality of district lands and protect neighbors from wildfires, according to the news release. However, these burns may cause temporary nuisances such as smoke and ash.
By burning off accumulated fuels, prescribed fires help prevent wildfires and manage the growth of woody shrubs.
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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Indian River County prescribed fire set April 14 2026