TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida's Prescribed Fire Awareness Week is being observed to call attention to the need for slow-moving, low-grade fire to decrease wildfire danger.
The week runs from Jan. 28 through Feb. 3.
"Following one of the most active wildfire seasons in recent history and a devastating hurricane season, forecasts predict an extremely dry spring," said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It is more important than ever to support our wildland firefighters as they conduct prescribed burns to protect Floridians and reduce wildfire risk.”
Prescribed fires in areas that pose a high wildfire risk ensure that wildfires in those areas will be less intense, less dangerous and easier to extinguish, a news release said. The prescribed fires also return nutrients to the soil, provide better forage for wildlife and livestock, and help control certain plant and tree diseases.
The Florida Forest Service administers the most active prescribed burning program in the nation. In an average year, the Florida Forest Service issues 85,000 prescribed burning authorizations.
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