Prescribed Burn on Apalachicola National Forest Today

The Apalachicola National Forest is conducting a prescribed burn today, Jan. 28, in Area 332 (Apalachicola National Forest Prescribed Fire Map).  Prescribed fire plays an integral part in reducing fuels, improving all wildlife habitat, controlling competing vegetation, controlling disease and improving forage.

Drivers and residents are reminded of the possiblity of unexpected shifting winds that could increase the risk of smoke on the road during prescribed burns.  Always proceed with caution and please remember to reduce speed and turn headlights on if visibility is affected by smokey conditions.

This prescribed burn is one of many burns the Apalachicola National Forest will be conducting during the 2010 prescribed fire season.  The National Forests in Florida is among those leading the nation in prescribed fire.  Prescribed burning in selected areas are conducted every three to five years in which approximately 100,000 to 175,000 acres of national forest lands are burned annually in the Ocala, Osceola and Apalachicola National Forests.