Pinellas County isn't blessed with large stretches of green space, but we do oversee over 20,000 acres of parks and preserves. Some of these natural areas are managed using prescribed fire, and occasionally, they experience wildfires. Although ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources
Last week, I had the chance to attend a “burn school” hosted by the Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) at Crones Cradle Conserve in Citra, Florida — and it turned out to be one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had in ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Farm Management, Forests, Natural Resources, Recreation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife
While the cause of the Southern California wildfires remains unknown, the unprecedented scope of their destruction has thrust prevention into the forefront of the collective consciousness. A new Ask IFAS document describes one of the most effective ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Forests
Each year, the Florida Forest Service authorizes about 88,000 prescribed burns by landowners and public agencies on more than 2.1 million acres of land. Objectives include promoting healthy regeneration of vegetation, controlling disease among ... READ MORE
Category: Farm Management, Forests, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Research
A wildfire modeling study found that the risk of spot fires, where lofted sparks ignite foliage or buildings, increases in places where woody plants like shrubs and trees replace herbaceous plants like grasses. Prescribed burning ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, UF/IFAS ResearchUSDA PREPARING SUPPORT FOR FIRE-AFFECTED COUNTIES IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Florida Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) announces Bay, Liberty, Franklin, Gulf and Calhoun counties have received preliminary authorization ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Disaster Preparation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, WildlifeAs the Florida Forest Service provides updates on multiple wildfires affecting Bay, Calhoun and Gulf counties, people may encounter unfamiliar fire science terminology. To provide some explanation, we asked David Godwin, a fire ecologist ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Forests
Jan. 23-29, 2022, is Florida’s Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, and we're helping you learn more about this vital function with the family-friendly Fire Fest 2022 event. Fire Fest is a fun opportunity for the whole family to learn how fire ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Wildlife
As we reach the peak of the springtime dry season in Florida, it is a time to be extra-aware of wildfire risks. Pasco County Fire Rescue's social media page recently reminded residents of the importance of being fire-wise around our homes and ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Forests, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS, Water, WildlifeA change in the winds is forecast by the National Weather Service over the next 24 hours that will bring smoke from the large “County Line” wildfire to parts of panhandle Florida. The County Line fire in northern Baker County has grown to ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture