PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A prescribed burn conducted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in Polk County has led to smoky conditions in parts of Pasco County. The burn, which covers 4,000 acres, is intended to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.
According to the Pasco County Communications Center, a shift in wind direction has carried smoke from the prescribed burn into Pasco County. Areas experiencing a blanket of smoke include Zephyrhills, Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, and Wesley Chapel.
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SWFWMD posted Friday, “Conditions permitting, the District will conduct a 4,025-acre prescribed fire 10 a.m. today at Green Swamp East Preserve near the intersection of Powder Grade Island Pond roads.”
While the smoke may cause temporary discomfort and reduced visibility, prescribed burns are a crucial tool for managing Florida’s ecosystems. They help to:
Reduce wildfire risk: By eliminating excess vegetation, prescribed burns decrease the likelihood of large, uncontrolled wildfires.
Improve wildlife habitat: Burns promotes the growth of native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Enhance forest health: Burns can help control disease and invasive species, improving overall forest health.
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The Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts prescribed burns under carefully controlled conditions, considering factors such as weather and wind direction. However, unexpected wind shifts can sometimes carry smoke beyond the intended burn area.
Residents in the affected areas of Pasco County are advised to take precautions, such as staying indoors if they have respiratory sensitivities and using caution while driving due to reduced visibility.
Correction: The original story quotes Pasco County Communication Center saying the prescribed burn was in Hillsborough County; however, according to SWFWMD, the burn is in the Green Swamp area of Polk County.
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