Apalachicola and Ocala National Forests Prescribed Burning Today (May 10)

The U.S. Forest Service conducts a prescribed burn.

The Apalachicola National Forest is prescribed burning approximately 1,253 acres today west of the town of Wilma and east of Highway 379.  The burn is taking place in burn unit #69.  See MAP for details.

The Ocala National Forest is also prescribed burning about 3,000 acres in the Shockley Pasture area located north of County Road 42.  The wandering Wiregrass OHV trail and the western portion of the Paisley Woods mountain bike will be closed.

The burns 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 smoke areas.

Individuals sensitive to smoke may contact the Ocala Fire Control Office at (352) 759-2081 or the Apalachicola Zone Fire Management Officer at (850) 524-1244 to be placed on a notification list for future burns.

These burns are one of many prescribed burns in the Ocala and Apalachicola National Forests during the 2010 prescribed burning season.