Prescribed Burn Scheduled for the Naval Live Oaks Area April 15

News Release Date:
April 12, 2024

Contact:Stephenie Wade, 850-393-7952

GULF BREEZE, FL. --Gulf Islands National Seashore plans to conduct prescribed burns within the Naval Live Oaks Area near Gulf Breeze, Florida, on April 15, 16, and 17.

The planned burns are scheduled to take place around 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. but will only occur if specific conditions are met. The park will review the conditions on the morning of each potential burn day determine if the burn will take place.

Longleaf pine flatwood habitats in the Naval Live Oaks Area depend upon regular fire to maintain this ecosystem type, which is important for several protected species including the gopher tortoise. The national seashore has developed small burn blocks, to mitigate potential community impacts. Ground ignition will be used to limit smoke and help provide maximum control of the burn areas. Park visitors may experience minor smoke impacts and possibly short-term road closures necessary for the safety of visitors, firefighters, and equipment.

Recent wildland fire seasons have been extreme, serving as a reminder that fire is a natural process and proactive measures can diminish the possibility or prevent wildfires from spreading. Introducing fire into the ecosystem, through the seashore's prescribed fire program can help curtail the risk to life, property, and resources in the event of a wildfire caused by a lightning strike or incidental human causes. Beyond preventative measures, fire can benefit wildlife and their habitat.

For current closure information visit: www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/tempclosures.htm.
About Gulf Islands National Seashore: Created in 1971, the national seashore stretches 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and Mississippi, and includes barrier islands, maritime forests, historic forts, bayous, and marine habitat. Visit us at www.nps.gov/GulfIslands, on Facebook www.facebook.com/GulfIslandsNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/GulfIslandsNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/GulfIslandsNPS.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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