Gulf Coast Conservation Foundation plans prescribed fire Saturday at Pine Island Preserve | News, Sports, Jobs

The controlled burn area in the Pine Island Preserve. GRAPHIC PROVIDED

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast may conduct a prescribed burn this Saturday, July 6, at the Pine Island Preserve in Matlacha Pass

7746 Stringfellow Road, across from Flamingo Bay, St. James City.

The foundation will burn the flat pine forests, towards the back of the property, with a westerly wind. This will blow smoke towards Matlacha Pass.

The foundation plans for the burn to begin at 9 a.m.

Prescribed fires help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by reducing excessive amounts of brush, shrubs and trees and encouraging new growth of native vegetation.

There are many plant and animal species whose habitats depend on periodic fires.

The burns are being done as part of land management for gopher tortoises, quail and other wildlife.

Prescribed burns are typically ignited at 9 a.m. and are completed by the end of the day. Passersby at the burn site may see smoke and flames. Signage will be posted along the roadside during all authorized prescribed burns to indicate that a prescribed burn is in progress.

Isolated stumps or logs stored safely inside the building may smolder for one to two days after the fire and will self-extinguish safely. Small amounts of smoke may persist for a day or two after the fire.

Controlled fires are conducted by a certified fire manager, under a burn order and burn permit issued by the Florida Forest Service. The fire manager coordinates with the Pine Island Fire Department.

For more information on controlled fires, please consult the Florida Forest Service

or the Conservation Foundation's video blog, Episode 31 – Fire Fighting Methods or 32-34 – Benefits of Fire.

For more information about Pine Island Preserve, visit