Prescribed Fire Awareness Week in Florida

March 2, 2010

Prescribed Fire Awareness Week runs from March 2 to March 8 in Florida. The principle reason behind prescribed burns is the care of forests which is referred to as Silviculture. Prescribed Fire is considered a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk as many of the plant and animal communities are dependent on a regular occurrence of fire for a healthy existence. Prescribed fire also provides better forage for wildlife and livestock, returns nutrients to the soil, helps to control certain plant diseases, and reduces hazardous fuel buildups.

The first week in March has been 'Prescribed Fire Awareness Week' since 2008 in Florida. According to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, more than two million acres of Florida are prescribed to burn each year.