JANUARY 22-28 PRESCRIBED FIRE AWARENESS WEEK

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service is actively promoting and encouraging the use of prescribed fires in recognition of Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, January 22 through 28. “Prescribed burning is the most effective way to minimize the risk of wildfire in our state,” said Ag Commissioner Adam Putnam. “Prescribed fires protect Florida homes, forests and natural resources and are a critical component of our efforts to effectively manage what is forecasted to be an active wildfire season.” Across the state, local Florida Forest Service field offices are hosting events to educate the public on the importance of prescribed burning, which decreases hazardous ground fuels, reduces wildfire risk, promotes healthy forests and improves wildlife habitats. Prescribed burning is also a cost-effective tool used by land managers to provide proper habitats for many of Florida’s endangered and threatened species, control disease in trees, reduce pest problems and eradicate invasive species. The Florida Forest Service is the lead prescribed fire agency in Florida, offering training and Certified Prescribed Burner certifications to the public. On average, the department will issue more than 120,000 prescribed burn authorizations to burn over two million acres each year.