A 534-acre prescribed burn is being conducted today in the Ocala National Forest, and Marion County motorists are being urged to use caution in the area.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the location of the prescribed burn is “south of FSR 66-5.9B, east of 66-5.9 and north of NFR 66.” Motorists should be aware of prescribed burn notice signs, potential road closures, and detours when traveling around this area.
Motorists are encouraged to drive with extra caution and be prepared to stop for any wildlife that has been temporarily displaced.
A prescribed burn is the controlled application of fire by a team of fire experts under specified weather conditions. The purpose of the burn is to restore health to ecosystems that depend on fire.
In addition to improving wildlife habitat, the prescribed burn helps to eliminate vegetation build up while reducing the threat of future wildfires. For more information, visit the U.S. Forest Service “Fire Management” webpage.