Apalachicola National Forest prescribed burning today in Wakulla County

Release Date: Jan 19, 2016

Contact(s): Susan Blake

The U.S. Forest Service is prescribed burning in the Apalachicola National Forest today.

The 1,425 acre prescribed burn will take place in Wakulla County near Sopchoppy off County Road 375 and Forest Road 309. The burn will improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires.

The area remains closed until the burn operation is complete, hazards are mitigated and the fire management staff deems the area safe for the public. The burn will improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires.

People are reminded that the smoke they may see today and tomorrow in this vicinity is not coming from a wildfire. Motorists are cautioned to drive slowly with lights on while traveling in smoky areas. Drivers should be particularly cautious in areas where prescribed fires have taken place when it is foggy. Morning fog can mix with smoke and decrease visibility further.

This is one of many prescribed burns the Apalachicola National Forest is doing during the 2016 prescribed burning season. Today’s burn is in burn unit 240 (see the Apalachicola’s planned burn map): http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd485826.pdf

Individuals who are sensitive to smoke may continue to monitor us at http://www.fs.usda.gov/news/apalachicola/news-events.