Navigational channels closed today during prescribed fire at Three Forks Conservation Area in Brevard County
Prescribed fire reduces the chance of wildfire on District lands. Fires are often set by aerial ignition in wet areas that are difficult to access.
Prescribed fire reduces the chance of wildfire on District lands. Fires are often set by aerial ignition in wet areas that are difficult to access.
PALM BAY, Fla., March 9, 2021 — The St. Johns River Water Management District will conduct a prescribed burn Tuesday totaling 6,000 acres at Three Forks Conservation Area in Brevard County. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and to improve wildlife habitat conditions.
During the burn, public access to navigational channels will be closed for safety reasons. The boat ramp at the Thomas O. Lawton Recreation Area will also be closed at times and boaters are required to avoid vegetated areas due to the burn.
Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to manage the fire’s effects. Before conducting a burn, the District ensures that wind and other weather conditions are correct for managing the fire and minimizing the impacts of smoke to residents and traffic.
The fire is planned for 10 a.m. and will be set by aerial ignition. Aerial ignition allows District staff to ignite fires more quickly, which results in faster burnout and less lingering smoke. Aerial ignition also allows staff to introduce fire into areas that may be inaccessible from the ground, ensuring that prescribed fire is introduced into even the most remote areas of the property.
Periodic prescribed fires on District lands enhance the land’s environmental quality and protect its neighbors from destructive wildfires, but not without the possibility of temporary nuisances, such as smoke and ash.
In fire-dependent ecosystems, fire is as nearly as important as rainfall and sunshine. The benefits of prescribed fire include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, managing tree diseases and opening scenic vistas.
Follow the District on social media to know when prescribed burns are taking place in your area. To learn more about the District’s prescribed burn program, visit the District online at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/management/prescribedfire or follow the conversation at #RXburn #goodfire.