Florida Division of Forestry plans to conduct two large prescribed burns, weather permitting, in the Picayune Strand State Forest in Collier County on Jan. 13 and Jan. 14. The purpose of the burns is to help prevent catastrophic wildfires, reduce the density of the vegetation, ensure the health of forest resources and promote the diversity of wildlife habitat.
The Jan. 13 burn is planned for about 5,000 acres of state forest land. The prescribed burn’s boundaries are generally located east of Desoto Boulevard, west of Merritt Boulevard, south of I-75, with Stewart Boulevard as the southern boundary. Please note Stewart is 100th Ave. SE.
The area to burn is well away from structures.
The Jan. 14 burn is planned for about 3,000 acres in the same general vicinity. Again, no structures are in the area. Two other agencies may conduct prescribed fires that day as well.
Both burns will receive support from local fire departments.
Large smoke columns will be visible from the fires, and people can expect to see smoke in the area.
Recent rains and temperatures make conditions ideal for prescribed burns. Forestry officials and other land management agencies hope to take advantage of the weather to properly manage public lands and reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfires. Well-managed forest lands increase safety, promote habitat diversity and provide a great amenity to visitors to state forests, officials said.

Source: Division of Forestry