Prescribed Fires

Pine Flatwoods and Florida Scrub are both fire-dependent ecosystems, meaning their health is directly tied to how frequently they are allowed to burn. Fire is important for certain plants' growth cycles, as some species will only flower or germinate after a fire. Fires also control the height of certain plants. For example, Florida Scrub-jays will abandon a habitat if the oak trees they forage in grow too tall.

Historically, lightning strikes combined with dry conditions were the cause of most wildfires. Uncontrolled fires tend to occur in FL between mid-April and July. The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program intentionally burns sections of the Sanctuary in a much more controlled way. Most prescribed burns are set between December and March when the wind is more predictable and the days are cooler. Burning in this way protects both the ecosystems and peoples' homes and businesses.