ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Land managers with the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division plan to perform a prescribed burn Wednesday on 40 acres at Kelly Park in Apopka, weather permitting. 

The goal of the burn is to prevent catastrophic wildfires so periodic fires are needed to keep the natural ecological systems in good condition, county officials said.

The park remains open, until it reaches capacity.

The benefits of prescribed burning include the removal of accumulated fuels for fires, the increase of wildlife and wildflowers and the restoration of scenic vistas as undergrowth is reduced, county officials explained.

Conditions that officials will take into consideration before starting a burn are ground moisture, humidity, wind speed, wind direction and the ability of the atmosphere to carry smoke harmlessly away from the area. 

Florida Forest Service officials must agree to the prescriptions and issue a permit for a burn.