Indian River County is working with the Florida Forest Service, Okeechobee District, to conduct a prescribed fire on a section north of Fran B. Adams Regional North County Park (north of the Aquatic Center).

Pending weather conditions, the burn is scheduled to occur on April 29, 2021. The prescribed fire is being conducted in an effort to reduce wildfire threat, improve habitat quality and create site access for land management activities.

The burn is scheduled for approximately 43 acres.

Fire is an important tool for land managers in restoring and maintaining scrub, flatwoods and other native habitats, and is a key element of land management for Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises and the red cockaded woodpecker.

Prescribed fire mimics natural wildfire regimes, but does so under a written prescription by certified personnel. The prescription includes important safety considerations such as wind direction, temperature, humidity and fuel load, as well as appropriate staff and equipment to protect adjacent properties.

Firelines or firebreaks are installed in select locations prior to the burn and wind direction is utilized to burn the habitat in the manner prescribed under the burn authorization which ultimately reduces wildfire threat and improves habitat quality.

For more information about land management activities, please visit www.ircgov.com/conservation. There are two educational videos available regarding Conservation Land Management and Florida Flatwoods Habitat.

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