Controlled burns scheduled for August and September

Controlled burns are scheduled for August and September on protected lands in Pasco and Hernando counties.

In Hernando County, about 100 acres of the Annuteliga Hammock tract will be burned in small, manageable tracts, according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, known as Swiftmud. That tract is located near Royal Highlands and U.S. 19.

State officials will also be burning about 600 acres in the Weekiwachee Preserve, about one mile west of Spring Hill and one mile south of Aripeka.

The burns are a part of routine maintenance of lands managed by Swiftmud. The objective is to mimic nature's fire cycles in a controlled setting and to avoid uncontrolled wildfires. Prescribed burns are only performed in favorable weather conditions that minimize public impact, according to a Swiftmud press release.

Drivers should use caution during the burns because smoke can lead to reduced visibility on the area's roads or highways.

For more information, please call the district at 352-796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476, Ext. 4465.