MYAKKA CITY- The Myakka preserve was set ablaze as the Sarasota County fire department and Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources conducted a prescribed burn in preparation for future dry weather.
The prescribed burns were conducted for several different reasons.
Mitigation officer for the Sarasota County fire department, Jay Bailey, says it was especially important due to the effects of hurricane Ian.
“We know there’s going to be a significant threat this year because of hurricane Ian and the debris that it brought down with it. So, we’re trying right now to get ahead of the game before the weather gets too dry and bring the fire hazard down significantly,” said Bailey.
Prescribed burns can be planned up to 4 years in advance.
Bailey says the burns at the Myakka preserve will not only benefit community members, but animals and plants as well.
“The big benefit out here ecologically is that it enhances the wildlife habitat. So, it burns the undergrowth and makes it easier for the animals and plant species to grow,” said Bailey.
The fire department looks for specific weather patterns that will help them with the burns and will ensure the safety of the public both during and after they’re completed.
Without prescribed burns, wildfires could be more intense and harder to control.
With the fire department prescribed burning now, possible fires in the future will be much easier to manage.
If you’re interested in learning more about prescribed fire, Sarasota County’s Fire Fest returns on Saturday, January 28th to educate the community about the importance of prescribed fire to the ecosystem.
The event will be taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve, 1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice.
