APOPKA, Fla. — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 230-acre prescribed burn on the northwestern section of Hal Scott Regonal Preserve and Park in Orange County.
The fire will reduce excess vegetation that naturally build up over time to help prevent destructive wildfires and improve the habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker.
Prescribed fires are set on purpose under stringent conditions to manage their effects, district officials said. SJRWMD works to ensure that wind and other weather conditions are appropriate for controlling the fire and minimizing the amount of smoke for residents and traffic.
Smoke and ash may be seen temporarily in the area, but officials say the fires will help enhance the land’s environmental quality. The benefits include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing the chances of destructive wildfires, cycling nutrients, managing tree diseases, opening scenic vistas and helping plants and animals survive wildfires and gain access to resources provided by wildfires.