TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – July 16, 2012 -

The U.S. Forest Service is prescribed burning in the Apalachicola National Forest today.

The 1,005 acre prescribed burn will take place west of Highways 65 near Forest Road 101 in Franklin County. The burn will improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires.

People are reminded that the smoke they may see today and tomorrow in this vicinity is not coming from a wildfire. Motorists are cautioned to drive slowly with lights on while traveling in smoky areas. Drivers should be particularly cautious in areas where prescribed fires have taken place when it is foggy. Morning fog can mix with smoke and decrease visibility further.

This is one of many prescribed burns the Apalachicola National Forest is doing during the 2012 prescribed burning season.

Individuals who are sensitive to smoke may contact the Apalachicola Zone Fire Management Officer at (850) 926-3561, ext. 6523, to be placed on a notification list for future burns.

Today’s burn is in burn unit 102 (see the Apalachicola’s 2012 planned burn map): http://www.nationalforestsinflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/FY12_burn_plan_public.pdf