Prescribed burn clears 11 acres at Black Hammock Wilderness Area

Seminole County officials carried out a prescribed burn on Jan. 9 at the Black Hammock Wilderness Area, igniting an 11-acre stand of pine flatwoods in the heart of the property. The burn was conducted by the county Natural Lands team as part of routine land management to mitigate wildfire risk and promote ecological benefits for plants and animals.

The wilderness property was closed to the public during the operation and was scheduled to reopen the following day. Officials warned that weather conditions during the burn could push smoke west and northwest toward Lake Jesup, and public-safety notices advised residents about possible nuisance smoke. Those living, working or recreating near the lake were advised to be aware of temporary smoke impacts.

The Seminole County action was one of three prescribed burns across Central Florida that day. Land managers also conducted burns in Seminole State Forest in neighboring Lake County and carried out a large prescribed fire at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Brevard County. Local authorities emphasized that coordinated burns across multiple jurisdictions are part of seasonal efforts to reduce fuel loads, maintain fire-adapted habitats and lower the chance of uncontrolled wildfires.

For Seminole County residents the immediate impacts were limited to access restrictions at Black Hammock and short-term air quality nuisances where smoke traveled. Closures of trails and natural areas during burns are intended to protect the public and allow crews to manage fires safely; reopening timelines depend on containment, lingering smoke and field assessments. Neighborhoods downwind of Lake Jesup were most likely to see visible smoke and minor odor, prompting the public-safety notices issued by county officials.

Prescribed burning is a tool used to preserve open, fire-adapted systems such as pine flatwoods while protecting homes and infrastructure from larger conflagrations. In this region, where wetlands, lakes and wilderness parcels sit close to residential communities, managers balance ecological goals with public safety by scheduling burns when weather and conditions are favorable.

The takeaway? Expect occasional planned burns through the season and check Seminole County updates if you notice smoke or trail closures. Our two cents? If you smell smoke, close your windows, limit outdoor activity until air clears, and follow county notices for reopening and safety information.