The Florida Forest Service’s Waccasassa Forestry Center will conduct two prescribed burns today, Thursday, Jan. 16, in Marion County.
A 227-acre prescribed burn is underway at Ross Prairie State Forest, accompanied by an additional 174-acre prescribed burn in the same area. These controlled burns are part of ongoing efforts to maintain healthy ecosystems.
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Prescribed burns are the deliberate application of fire by trained professionals under carefully selected weather conditions. This process is essential for restoring fire-dependent ecosystems, improving wildlife habitats, reducing vegetation buildup, and lowering the risk of severe wildfires.
Motorists traveling near Ross Prairie State Forest are advised to exercise caution due to potential smoke in the area.
For more information on prescribed burns, visit whyprescribedfire.org.