Prescribed burn near Sumatra
18. Aug, 2010 
2 Comments
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The U.S. Forest Service is prescribed burning approximately 1,162 acres on the Apalachicola National Forest starting at about 10 a.m. today.
The prescribed burn will take place in an area in the far southwestern portion of the forest, slightly northwest of the community of Sumatra. The burn will improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires.
People are reminded that the smoke they may see today and tomorrow in this vicinity is not coming from a wildfire. Motorists are cautioned to drive slowly with lights on while traveling in smoky areas.
The burn will be in burn unit 100 (see link to 2010 Burn Map below). This is one of many prescribed burns the Apalachicola National Forest is doing during the 2010 prescribed burning season.
Individuals who are sensitive to smoke may contact the Apalachicola Zone Fire Management Officer at (850) 524-1244 to be placed on a notification list for future burns.
Please stop burning during the month of January when thousands of hunters are using the forest. It is ashame to work all year and then just smell smoke while on vacation in such a beautiful area.
Prescribed fire is one of the few ways that forest managers have to maintain wildlife habitat and maintain the overall health of the forest. January is usually a prime month for burning as temperatures are lower. Due to the important role of fire in Florida’s ecosystems, it would be irresponsible of us as land managers to not burn as much as we can as often as possible.