VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The St. Johns River Water Management District conducted a 92-acre prescribed burn Tuesday at Heart Island Conservation Area in Volusia County to help prevent wildfires, burn off naturally built up fuels, and manage the growth of shrubs.

The burn is located south of State Road 40 along the west side of Bee Road.

Before conducting a burn, the district ensures that wind and other weather conditions were correct for managing the fire and minimizing the impacts of smoke to residents and traffic.

According to the district, fire is nearly as important as rainfall and sunshine in fire-dependent ecosystems. The benefits of prescribed fire include restoring and maintaining natural communities, reducing chances of destructive wildfires, perpetuating fire-adapted plants and animals, cycling nutrients, managing tree diseases and opening scenic vistas, officials said.

To learn more about the District’s prescribed burn program, visit the District online at www.sjrwmd.com/lands/management/prescribedfire.