Prescribed burn near Wilma in the Apalachicola National Forest

USDA FOREST SERVICE NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 15, 2010
Contact: Denise Rains (850) 523-8568
Website: www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The U.S. Forest Service is prescribed burning approximately 1,900 acres today on the Apalachicola National Forest.

The prescribed burn is taking place in an area off of Highway 379 southwest of Wilma, FL. 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.

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.

Today’s burn is in burn unit 94 (see the Apalachicola’s 2010 planned burn map).