- November 15, 2024
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The following is a news release from the Flagler County communications office:
Smoke may be visible Wednesday, Jan. 20, in the area of State Road 100 and Old Kings Road as the result of a planned, prescribed fire in Bulow Park.
“The Flagler County Land Management Department will be working together with Flagler County Fire Rescue, Florida Forest Service and private consultants within a 77-acre area of Bulow Park,” said Tim Telfer, public lands and natural resources manager. “Smoke may be visible in this area throughout the day.”
This prescribed fire, also referred to as a “controlled” fire, will remove the hazardous level of fuel on the property. Potential fires have a greater risk of being destructive the longer vegetation accumulates.
“Excess fuel causes fires to burn hotter and move faster, which can cause unpredictable results,” Telfer said. “Wildfires can cause immense economic damage and result in the loss of habitat for wildlife.”
Prescribed fire greatly reduces the potential for wildfire. It opens the forest floor and increases plant diversity for wildlife, including gopher tortoises.
“Within a week of the fire, new plant life will start to grow,” Telfer said. “This provides fresh new shoots for wildlife.”
The timing of the fire will be determined by the appropriate weather conditions, including wind direction and humidity.
“Prescribed fire is important to protect our public lands,” County Administrator Craig Coffey said. “But it is also important to ensure that the conditions are right.”