SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Smoke from a prescribed burn in Lake County could drift into northern and western Seminole County on Friday, prompting fire officials to notify residents about its source.
The Florida Forest Service’s Withlacoochee Forestry Center announced a 160-acre prescribed burn Nov. 13 in Seminole State Forest, south of Hana Drive and Oka Road.
The burn is intended to reduce hazardous fuels. Information about prescribed fires is available through the prescribed burn map.
Smoke may be visible across county lines
Based on the weather forecast, Seminole County fire officials said nuisance smoke is likely in the county’s northern and western areas. A smoke column may also be visible.
The department shared the information after some residents called 911 about the smoke.
Officials said the planned burn is in Lake County and that Seminole County Fire Department resources are not assigned to it.
Why crews conduct prescribed burns
The Florida Forest Service uses prescribed fire to reduce vegetation that can fuel wildfires and help maintain forest habitats.
The agency said prescribed burning can also prepare areas for planting by controlling competing vegetation and removing woody debris.
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