Prescribed fire today at Fellsmere Water Management Area in Indian River County

Prescribed fire reduces the chance of wildfire on district lands.

PALM BAY, Fla., Jan. 9, 2020 — The St. Johns River Water Management District is conducting a 1,300-acre prescribed burn Thursday at Fellsmere Water Management Area in Indian River County. The purpose of the burn is to reduce fuel accumulations and enhance marsh restoration.

During the burn, all trails on the property will be closed to the public to allow fire crews to complete the job and for public safety.

Fires were set by aerial ignition. Aerial ignition allows district staff to ignite fires more quickly, which results in faster burnout and less lingering smoke. Convection produced by igniting an area rapidly can help move the smoke up and away more quickly. 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. Aerial ignition allows staff to burn more acres in a shorter period of time, which in time will aid district staff in maintaining the fire frequency needed for the maintenance of the conservation area

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, controlling 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 manage 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.