Residents near the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52 in Pasco County may see smoke Wednesday, Oct. 14, as crews prepare to conduct a 98-acre prescribed burn at Starkey Wilderness Preserve.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District announced Tuesday that the burn is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. in the preserve's Serenova Tract, weather and safety conditions permitting.

The burn area is approximately 1.25 miles west of the Suncoast Parkway, half a mile south of State Road 52 and two miles north of Ridge Road.

Pasco County Fire Rescue shared the announcement, alerting residents to the planned activity.

Burn requires state authorization

Prescribed burns are deliberately set and managed fires used to reduce excess vegetation and maintain natural habitats.

The Florida Forest Service must authorize prescribed burns, and operations may be postponed or canceled if weather or smoke conditions make them unsafe.

The water management district uses trained prescribed burn managers and smoke management plans to help reduce risks to nearby communities, roads and other sensitive locations.

Smoke may be visible in surrounding neighborhoods and along nearby roadways if the burn proceeds.

Part of larger Pasco County burn program

The 98-acre operation is part of a broader prescribed fire program planned across Pasco County through December.

According to an Oct. 1 district announcement, crews plan to burn approximately 500 acres at Starkey Wilderness Preserve in smaller, manageable sections.

The district also plans prescribed burns at three other Pasco County conservation areas:

  • Conner Preserve: approximately 450 acres.
  • Upper Hillsborough Preserve: approximately 300 acres.
  • Cypress Creek Preserve: approximately 150 acres.

The agency conducts prescribed burns on approximately 35,000 acres annually throughout its management area.

Why prescribed burns are conducted

Prescribed fire helps reduce accumulated vegetation that could fuel uncontrolled wildfires. It also encourages new plant growth and supports wildlife habitats that depend on periodic fire.

The district said the practice helps maintain natural ecosystems and public recreation areas.

Residents can sign up for email and text notifications about upcoming burns at WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurns.

The district advises that prescribed burn schedules may change based on weather and safety conditions.