Scheduled Burn at the GTM Research Reserve

Historic City News was informed that an ecological prescribed burn in the coastal strand between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, directly south of Six Mile boat ramp, is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2013.

If the weather does not permit burning tomorrow, an attempt will follow on Wednesday.

The area scheduled to be burned is approximately 30 acres and stretches 0.75 miles along the west side of South Ponte Vedra Boulevard. Fire will be applied to the coastal strand bordering Guana Lake. We anticipate starting around 11:00 am and completed by 4:00 pm.

Residents of adjacent areas will see and possibly smell smoke from the fire. Prescribed burning activities may temporarily inconvenience boaters as well as motorists.

The GTM Research Reserve has mowed a strip of the vegetation along the highway to significantly reduce the radiant heat and flame heights as well as minimize the potential for property damage. Trained and experienced fire personnel have placed fire breaks around the area to contain the flames. Fire suppression equipment and staff from GTM Research Reserve and its partner agencies will be on site during the burning activity.

Periodic prescribed burns help to lessen the chances of wildfires by reducing the vegetation and dry debris that serves as fuel. Fires also play an important role in promoting new growth in natural communities. The resulting ash provides nutrients that foster new growth.