A prescribed burn in Ocala National Forest is what Central Floridians can thank for all of the smoke in the air today, on Monday, January 19. The fire has resulted in hazy skies across areas north and northwest of Orlando.
The U.S. Forest Service conducted a 1,026-acre prescribed burn north of Altoona, and smoke spread into portions of Lake, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Officials said work could continue as long as weather conditions allowed.
Prescribed burns are a routine land-management tool in Florida, typically used during late winter and early spring to reduce built-up vegetation that can fuel larger, harder-to-control wildfires later in the season.
Officials have urged caution for anyone driving near affected areas. Smoke can reduce visibility, especially on rural roads, and drivers encountering smoke are advised to slow down and use headlights. For residents concerned about breathing conditions, air quality updates are available through AirNow (Website), which publishes real-time pollution and smoke information.
