A Forest Management Partnership Guide for Florida Landowners

[Skip Main Navigation]

En Español

Controlled burning by prescribed fire

Prescribed burning, also referred to as controlled burning, is one of the most valuable tools for land managers in Florida. Using prescribed fire a land manager can achieve a number of objectives; reducing combustible fuel buildup, aiding disease and pest control, improving certain wildlife habitats, clearing areas for new growth, removing unwanted invasive plants while improving growing conditions for desired species, etc.

Dove, deer, quail, and turkey benefit from prescribed fire as do many listed wildlife species, including the Florida panther, gopher tortoise, indigo snake, and red cockaded woodpecker. Fire can stimulate production of desirable plant growth, improve food availability and restore ecosystem balance.

Prescribed burning is also one of the most dangerous management tools, which is why the Florida Division of Forestry's Forest Protection Bureau oversees the state's active prescribed fire program (averaging 113,000 authorizations affecting almost 2 million acres annually).

Planning is essential! Proper planning to ensure control includes considering every variable, including fuel composition, wind and weather conditions. Call your County Forester to ask about assistance with fire line plowing and prescribed burns, and to ask about critical planning tools, including smoke screening (used to plot burn area and assess for potential impacts), and live fuel moisture readings (used for predicting fire behaviors).

Following a prescribed burn, you may notice a temporary reduction in quality of air, soil, water, or aesthetics.

Protect your Home From Fire

Maintaining a Lean, Clean and Green landscape within 30 feet of your home can make a significant difference in whether it survives a wildfire.

Lean - Minimize flammable vegetation.

Clean - Clear flammable vegetation and debris from your roof, deck, under the house.

Green - Keep plants healthy and green and lawn well irrigated.

The Benefits of Prescribed Fire

The Benefits of Prescribed Fire

Florida's forests shelter more than 100 species of animals. Prescribed fire improves forest health, benefiting dove, deer, quail, turkey, and some listed species, including the Florida panther, gopher tortoise, indigo snake, and red cockaded woodpecker.

"Forestry production has been part of our farm for over 65 years. Timber has provided much needed income when other farm commodity prices weren't 'cutting it.' The DOF has provided vital information that makes our timber operation environmentally friendly as well as profitable."

Allen B. Tyree,
Hamilton County

Related Internet Links



Return to Top