Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control. That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns now through September at the Myakka River - Deer Prairie Creek Preserve in Sarasota County.
Myakka River - Deer Prairie Creek Preserve is located west of North Port, east of the Myakka River, and south of Interstate 75. Approximately 500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:
- Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
- Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants.
- Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat.
- Maintaining access for public recreation.
The District recently began emailing and/or texting prescribed burn alerts directly to members of the public who sign up through the District’s website. The prescribed burn alerts explain where and when the burns will take place and how many acres will be burned. You can sign up to receive email and/or text alerts about scheduled prescribed burns in your region and learn more about the process of a prescribed burn by visiting WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurns.
The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 35,000 acres each year.