Prescribed Burn in Wesley Chapel Area Next Week

BROOKSVILLE, FL – The Withlacoochee Forestry Center will conduct a prescribed fire on 485 acres of land south of State Road 54 between Foxridge Boulevard and Loury Drive in Pasco County. The mitigation work will take place the week of March 28, weather permitting.

Using prescribed fires is a cost-effective way to reduce hazardous vegetative fuel buildups while providing increased protection to people and their homes.

“We want residents to slow down if they encounter smoke on the roads around the Wesley Chapel area,” said Brian Prill, the forest area supervisor for the Florida Forest Service. “We are assisting a private landowner in reducing the wildfire risk on a 485 acre parcel.”

The FFS conducts wildfire hazard reduction treatments on private property if the landowner does not object and the area is determined to be a reasonable wildlife hazard area.

The FFS recommends these precautions if you encounter smoke from the prescribed burn:

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

For more information, contact the Withlacoochee Forestry Center at 352-797-4101.

Image via Shutterstock

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