ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Residents in parts of Central Florida have recently witnessed clouds of smoke drifting through the air, a result of prescribed burns being conducted by local counties.

On Monday, many Seminole County residents were puzzled by the smoky skies. The Seminole County Fire Department clarified that the smoke visible in the area was carried by the wind from Lake County, where controlled burns were actively underway.

Lake County fire officials emphasize that these prescribed fires are a crucial strategy for mitigating the threat of uncontrolled wildfires. The fires help by reducing accumulated combustible materials that could otherwise fuel large, unpredictable wildfires.

• Furthermore, these controlled burns play an essential role in ecological restoration. They clear out dead and decaying debris, promoting a healthier forest ecosystem.

• Restoring forests by removing dead debris

• Returning vital nutrients to the soil

• Controlling invasive plant species

Orange County on Wednesday will conduct a 30-acre prescribed burn at Kelly Park in Apopka, which will create smoke that is visible from miles away. The burn was originally scheduled for Tuesday before it was canceled.

There is no need to call 911 if you see smoke, unless you see a column of it or an active fire.