PHOTO VIA ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
The St. Johns River Water Management District (Website) is conducting a 200-acre prescribed fire today at the district’s Lake Apopka North Shore property in Lake County, part of the Middle St. Johns River Basin.
The burn is planned for the western portion of the property, east of Ranch Road. Its purpose is to reduce hazardous fuel loads and maintain fire-dependent natural communities, according to the official press release we just received before lunch.
Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned, deliberately set fires under controlled conditions to manage the fire’s effects. Before conducting a burn, the district confirms wind and other weather conditions are appropriate to manage the fire and minimize smoke impacts to residents and traffic.
Periodic prescribed fires on district lands are intended to improve environmental quality and protect neighboring areas from more destructive wildfires, though they can cause temporary nuisances such as smoke and ash.
The district shares updates on prescribed burns through social media. More information on the district’s prescribed burn program is available HERE.
