PALATKA, Fla. – According to a release, the St. John’s River Water Management District conducted a 196-acre prescribed burn at its J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation Area in Clay County.
The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuel loads, i.e. excess vegetation or dry wood, and maintain fire-dependent commodities.
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According to officials, a prescribed fire refers to a controlled burn used for managing tree diseases, reducing chances of spontaneous wildfire, and cycling nutrients, among other environmentally beneficial reasons.
Officials described the possibility of smoke and ash during the burning as a temporary nuisance. According to a release, prescribed fires are generally scheduled according to weather and wind conditions to reduce the impact of smoke and ash.
The burn will be located on the south side of Bayard Road, and during the burn, portions of the White Trail will be closed.
For more information, visit the District online at www.sjrwmd.com/land/management/prescribedfire