Prescribed fire season is here - get the scoop behind the blaze and, sometimes, haze
Fighting fire with fire is more than an old idiom; it's a time-honored land management tactic that's been in use for centuries.
Not sure what it's all about?
Here are answers to five of your burning questions regarding prescribed fire.
1. Why do we need prescribed fire?
Prescribed fire is a land management tool used to enhance forest health, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce the chances of dangerous, uncontrolled wildfire by decreasing hazardous fuels.
Prescribed burns promote healthy ecosystems by:
- Clearing out competing vegetation
- Cycling nutrients into the soil
- Stimulating growth and seed production of fire-dependent plants
- Providing food for wildlife
One of the greatest benefits of prescribed fire is that it reduces "fuels" such as underbrush, branches, pine needles, leaves, and dead plant debris that build up on the forest floor over time. Reducing fuels every few years helps lower the intensity, heat, and destructive force of a wildfire if one occurs.
2. What happens to wildlife during a prescribed burn?
Few animals are harmed by prescribed fire, especially during the growing season when the weather is warm and most animals are active.
Some animals take refuge by moving to unburned or previously burned areas. Small animals seek shelter under logs, in old trees, and in burrows like those of the gopher tortoise. Ground nesting birds build new nests, and benefit from an increase of insects resulting from new plant growth after the fire.
Unlike prescribed fires, fast-moving, high-heat wildfires usually do not provide the same opportunity for wildlife to escape.
The safety of wildlife is always a concern during prescribed fires. Prescribed fire plans are prepared to account for wildlife safety and are conducted to allow animals to seek safety during the relatively slow-moving prescribed fires.
3. How long does a prescribed fire-and the smoke it creates-last?
Most prescribed fires last only one day. However, it is sometimes beneficial to the environment to let a fire continue into the night or the next day if the area burning is secure, and the smoke will not negatively impact the community.
Concerns regarding smoke created by prescribed fires are a priority, especially for the residential areas surrounding many nature preserves in Hillsborough County.
Prescribed burn teams take precautions to limit the amount of smoke produced by the fire. Some light smoke, haze, and small flames may remain in the area of a prescribed fire for several days or longer.
4. If I see smoke or flames, how can I know for sure that it's a prescribed fire and not an unintentional fire?
Seeing smoke and not knowing where it is coming from can be alarming. To stay up to date on prescribed fires in your area, sign up to receive Hillsborough County prescribed burn notifications.
You will only receive notifications when the County's Conservation & Environmental Lands Management (CELM) department is conducting a prescribed burn in one of the County's nature preserves or conservation parks.
5. What's the thingamabob often used to light the prescribed fires?
Drip torches are commonly used for igniting prescribed fires. The handheld tool ignites fire by dripping flaming fuel onto the area intended to burn.
This simple tool features a handle, spout, and a canister which contains fuel. Drip torches offer precise application of flammable material to vegetation within the planned burn area so that the fire can be controlled.
For more information about prescribed fire, visit Prescribed Fire and Burning.
2025 Prescribed Fire Fest
Arrrrgh you sick of pirates? Gasparilla isn't for everyone!
Join Hillsborough County Conservation & Environmental Lands Management for a day of eco-friendly fun, where the science of prescribed fire meets family-friendly festivities.
Prescribed Fire Fest takes place on Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City, FL, 33567.
Activities include:
- Live prescribed fire demonstration (weather permitting)
- Equipment demonstrations
- Children's activities
- Food trucks
- And more!
If you have any questions, please email Alison Hughes or call (813) 627-1360.