Fire Fest is a fun opportunity for the whole family to learn how fire is used carefully and effectively on our natural lands, right here in Sarasota County. It looks at how prescribed burns protect our communities and property from wildfires and maintains Florida’s natural ecosystems for present and future generations.
Do you ever wonder why you see all those smoke columns across the horizon? Agencies from around the state come together to talk fire. Weather permitting, enjoy live fire demonstrations, helicopter bucket drops, nature tours, and light refreshments. Kids will have a blast on the SWAT obstacle course, and will enjoy fun games and face painting in the KidZone.
Fire Fest 2022 event details
WHERE: Carlton Reserve (T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve), 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway,
Venice 34292
COST: Free admission
AUDIENCE: General public
LEARN MORE: Learn more about Fire Fest 2022, or call 941-861-5000.
Prescribed Fire in Florida
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service issued the following release Jan. 24 about prescribed fire across the state:
Commissioner Nikki Fried, Florida Forest Service Highlight Benefits of Prescribed Fire During Prescribed Fire Awareness Week
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service are highlighting the importance and benefits of prescribed fire during Florida’s Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, January 23–29.
Florida is a fire-adapted ecosystem, which means it depends on recurring fire to renew the forest and habitats that support native plant and animal species. Prescribed fire is a safe, controlled way to apply a natural process that clears out overgrowth that not only ensures the health of Florida’s natural resources but reduces the risk for catastrophic wildfires and the subsequent devastation to communities.
“Managing our forests, Florida’s top agriculture commodity, is essential to powering our economy, sustaining the ecosystems, and supporting the state’s infrastructure,” said Commissioner Fried. “Florida’s use of prescribed fire is a national model for successfully managing forests to protect residents, communities, wildlife habitats, and natural resources. Florida knows the importance of prescribed fire, and we are committed to continuing a practice that was established by those who came before us and is critical to the future of our great state.”
“Prescribed fire is the most valuable tool we have to manage Florida’s fire-dependent and fire-prone landscapes,” said Erin Albury, State Forester and Director of the Florida Forest Service. “With a long-term, sustained approach, we can maintain the health of our forests and significantly reduce the chances of catastrophic wildfires.”
To learn more or to view prescribed fires planned in your community today, visit WhyPrescribedFire.org.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.
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Learn More
- Wild Sarasota: Prescribed Fire (Keeping Our Community and Ecosystems Safe), UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County (webinar recording)
- Wildfire Prevention, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County (blog post)
- Prescribed Fire, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Wildland Fire, Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences
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