INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Park officials will burn 350 acres of pine flatwoods Thursday at St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, authorities said.
The prescribed burn will be held from 10 a.m. to about 4 p.m. in the southwest part of the park, Park Manager Dylan Gavagni said. Smoke will be visible to motorists on Interstate 95, while flames will be visible to drivers on County Road 512.
Prescribed burns help to prevent uncontrollable wildfires. The burns mimic natural fire cycles to restore healthy forests and natural communities and reduce undergrowth that builds up overtime.
Burned lands experience an increase in native wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.
Prescribed burns are only conducted when weather conditions are favorable. Those who want to administer prescribed burns must first get authorization from the Florida Forest Service.
