Prescribed Burns Scheduled For Lake Areas March 3-5

Moore Haven & Clewiston, FL– In an effort to manage vegetation within the seasonally dry portions of Lake Okeechobee, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Forest Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers, will be conducting prescribed burns in the west-southwest areas of the lake. On March 3rd thru the 5th, aerial ignition burns will take place from Clewiston to Cochran’s Pass and to the Moore Haven Canal. 

One should expect smoke impact from Fisheating Bay down to Clewiston. The area of the prescribed burns consist of approximately 35,502 acres. The actual burn acreage will depend on water level and surface fuel conditions.

Prescribed burning mimics natural fire cycles to restore healthy forests and natural communities, reduces undergrowth that accumulates over time, and decreases the potential for destructive wildfire. Burned lands experience an increase in native wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.

Prescribed fires are only conducted when weather parameters are suitable. Every effort has been made to avoid the impact of smoke to nearby residents. However, some temporary inconveniences may occur. Precautions adjacent homeowners can take:

Bring your pets inside
Cover pools and hot tubs
Stay indoors if you have respiratory problems
Slow down if you encounter smoke on the road
Store lawn furniture in the garage to keep it clean
Close windows to prevent drift smoke from entering your home