Daytona Beach, FL – Now that Thanksgiving is in the rear-view mirror, expect to see a lot of controlled burns in Volusia and Flagler counties over the next few weeks.
The Florida Forest Service plans to begin prescribed burning in predetermined areas of the Bunnell District, which is basically made up of Volusia and Flagler as well as parts of St. Johns County.
Julie Maddux with the Florida Forest Service says this type of intentionally set fire is a safe way to ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk.
“We use prescribed fire to reduce buildup of flammable plants and debris,” Maddux stated. “In turn, [that] provide increased protection to people, their homes and natural resources.”
Among the areas to be burned include parts of Tiger Bay State Forest.
Bunnell District Manager Anthony Petellat says these measures can reduce the potential for injury or loss of life while protecting homes, businesses or public infrastructure from wildfire.
“Prescribed fire is only conducted when weather parameters are suitable,” Petellat noted. “If a prescribed burn is planned and weather conditions become unstable, then we will not burn.”
FFS also expects the controlled burns to help control tree diseases and preserve endangered plant and animal species while improving wildlife habitat and range management.
Florida set a record for prescribed fire last year, burning 246,000 acres of Florida state forests. 12,620 acres have been intentionally burned in the Bunnell District over the past 2 years.
In 2015, 49,000 wildfires burned more than 9 million acres of federal, state and private lands nationwide.
Copyright 2015 Southern Stone Communications.