The Ocala National Forest will get a prescribed burn of 675 acres, the U.S. Forest Service announced Friday.
- Prescribed burning is from today until tomorrow
- Prescribed burning will reduce threat of wildfires, officials say
The prescribed burn for the Marion County forest is done to improve wildlife habitat, elimination vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires, the service stated. It will take place in Marion County east of Forest Road 11, near the OHV Center.
The service cautioned people about the prescribed burn.
“People are reminded that the smoke they may see today and tomorrow in this vicinity is not coming from a wildfire. Motorists are cautioned to drive slowly with lights on while traveling in smoky areas,” the U.S. Forest Service stated in a release. “Drivers should be particularly cautious in areas where prescribed fires have taken place when it is foggy. Morning fog can mix with smoke and decrease visibility further.”
The Ocala National Forest will have many prescribed burns during the 2016 prescribed burning season, the service mentioned.
Those who are sensitive to smoke can monitor the prescribed burning season here.