District plans prescribed burn at Garcon Point

The Northwest Florida Water Management District plans to conduct a prescribed burn on the southeast portion of Garcon Point Water Management Area in Santa Rosa County ​on Friday, April 8.

This burn will be conducted only under proper weather conditions and with approval from the Florida Forest Service, which authorizes prescribed burning in the state. Pending review of Friday morning’s weather conditions and final authorization from the Florida Forest Service, the prescribed burn will begin at approximately 9 a.m. (Central).

Prescribed fire plays a critical role in reducing the accumulation of vegetative fuel, which can become dangerously high and increase the risk of wildfire. Prescribed fires reduce these fuel levels in natural communities under controlled conditions – protecting life and property and improving these natural communities that support many of Florida’s rare and endangered plant and animal species which are dependent on periodic fire.

Friday’s prescribed burn goals are to eliminate dead or fallen trees and any undergrowth that could potentially fuel a wildfire and provide ecological enhancement of this wet prairie/savannah ecosystem. It is planned as a ground-based ignition with the use of specialized, low-ground pressure equipment. Prescribed fire personnel and the equipment needed to conduct the prescribed burn in a safe manner will be on site.

The prescribed burn is expected to cover approximately 2,045 acres.