Some trails temporarily closed today during prescribed fire at Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area

Prescribed fire helps reduce the possibility of dangerous wildfire while enhancing land’s environmental quality.

PALATKA, Fla., Dec. 10, 2019 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting an 80-acre prescribed burn Tuesday within the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area near the trailhead, north of Lake Pickett Road, in Orange County. Some trails may be temporarily closed during this time to ensure public safety. The purpose of the burn is to maintain fire-dependent ecosystems.

Prescribed fire is the use of carefully planned fire purposefully set under stringent conditions to manage the fire’s effects. Its benefits 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. Prescribed fires help prevent wildfires by burning off fuels that naturally build up over time, while also helping to control the growth of woody shrubs.

Before conducting a burn, the district ensures wind and other weather conditions are correct for managing the fire and minimizing the impacts of smoke to residents and traffic.