The Ocala National Forest is managing prescribed fire operations throughout the day to reduce hazardous fuels and protect natural resources.
The U.S. Forest Service reported the controlled burns on Thursday morning. Prescribed fires, which are also known as controlled burns, are a key tool used by the U.S. Forest Service to manage overgrown vegetation, which helps minimize the risk of large, uncontrolled wildfires.
The group is executing prescribed fires for the following locations today:
- Approximately 1 mile west of FR69 (Paisley Rd).
- Approximately 4 miles north of CR42.
- Approximately 3 miles south of CR445.
- Approximately 2 miles east of FR61 (Kismet Rd).
The U.S. Forest Service advises that these areas may be closed to the public for several days to ensure safety. Visitors should watch for warning signs posted along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during the burns.
Residents and visitors in the area may experience smoke as a result of the controlled burns.
For detailed information on air quality, the public is encouraged to visit AirNow online or download their app. Drivers are urged to use caution, slow down, and turn on headlights if they encounter smoke on the road.
The Forest Service continually evaluates weather conditions right up to the hours before a burn begins, and scheduled activities may be canceled if conditions are not favorable.
The public can stay updated on the scheduled prescribed fires through the Ocala National Forest website, its social media channels, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. The Forest Service also notifies county emergency management officials when burning begins.
The USDA Forest Service manages 193 million acres of public land and uses world-class science and technology to care for shared natural resources, promoting lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality.