HOMESTEAD, Florida: Everglades National Park will be conducting the Heck House Prescribed Burn (East Everglades Unit 5) on Tuesday, February 11 and continue through Wednesday, February 12 (weather permitting). The general location of the prescribed burn is along the eastern boundary of the park, west of Southwest 218 Avenue, and between Southwest 136 and 168 Streets. The planned burn area is about 2,475 acres in size. The Florida Forest Service and South Florida Water Management District will be assisting.
Depending on weather patterns, smoke may be visible in the eastern portion of the park; however there should be no impact on roadways. In the evening, residents of Homestead or south Kendall are likely to see smoke and possibly some light ash from the fire. This is not unusual and should not cause concern.
Prescribed burns are an important part of resource management at Everglades National Park. The purposes of this prescribed burn are to reduce hazardous fuel along the park boundary and to burn exotic vegetation (melaleuca) that has been treated by herbicides. Information on the fire management program at the park can be found on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/ever/parkmgmt/firemanagement.htm. Any questions on this burn can be routed to Everglades National Park at 305-242-7714.
WHAT: Everglades National Park conducts 2,475 acre prescribed burn.
WHEN: Depending on the weather, we will begin operations Tuesday, February 11 and continue on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014.
WHERE: The general location of the prescribed fire is along the eastern boundary of the park, west of Southwest 218 Avenue, and between Southwest 136 and 168 Streets.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
