captstanm1
07-01-2005, 11:17 PM
Wildfire protection project completed in city
Author:
Publication Date: 2005-06-10
The Florida Division of Forestry recently completed a wildfire hazard mitigation project in Live Oak. Mitigation projects reduce accumulations of forest brush and dry debris that if ignited could pose a serious wildfire threat to nearby homes and businesses. The project began June 2 and concluded Monday, June 6.
The Live Oak wildfire mitigation project involved the mowing and mulching of underbrush on 18 acres of privately-owned land at the intersection of Silas Drive and Walker Avenue in the SW portion of town. This property borders Suwannee Middle and Suwannee Elementary Schools, the Village Oaks Apartments and the Suwannee County Sports Complex. There are 36 privately-owned residences close to the property as well. The forested area consisted of planted and natural pines, heavy scrub oak and “ladder fuels” or vines draped with pine straw, dry leaves and litter that can carry flames high into the forest canopy. This vegetation created a condition that could fuel a wildfire that would threaten nearby structures. To reduce the risk of fire, the property owner asked the Division of Forestry for assistance. Mitigation projects such as prescribed burning, mowing and chopping are free services for qualifying landowners.
The Florida Division of Forestry Wildfire Management Team used specialized heavy-duty mowing equipment to cut and mulch the vegetation. Once the ladder fuels are removed and the vegetation is in a mulched form it is less flammable and the potential for a wildfire to start and spread is greatly reduced. Yet, if a wildfire were to start in a recently mowed location, the intensity of the flames will be minimized making it much easier to quickly bring under control.
The potential for wildfires still exists in north central Florida due to the large amount of lightning occurring with afternoon thunderstorms. Residents should be careful with all outdoor fires and observe all local burning laws. In Suwannee County 45 wildfires have burned 278 acres since Jan. 1. Escaped yard trash fires were the leading cause.
Author:
Publication Date: 2005-06-10
The Florida Division of Forestry recently completed a wildfire hazard mitigation project in Live Oak. Mitigation projects reduce accumulations of forest brush and dry debris that if ignited could pose a serious wildfire threat to nearby homes and businesses. The project began June 2 and concluded Monday, June 6.
The Live Oak wildfire mitigation project involved the mowing and mulching of underbrush on 18 acres of privately-owned land at the intersection of Silas Drive and Walker Avenue in the SW portion of town. This property borders Suwannee Middle and Suwannee Elementary Schools, the Village Oaks Apartments and the Suwannee County Sports Complex. There are 36 privately-owned residences close to the property as well. The forested area consisted of planted and natural pines, heavy scrub oak and “ladder fuels” or vines draped with pine straw, dry leaves and litter that can carry flames high into the forest canopy. This vegetation created a condition that could fuel a wildfire that would threaten nearby structures. To reduce the risk of fire, the property owner asked the Division of Forestry for assistance. Mitigation projects such as prescribed burning, mowing and chopping are free services for qualifying landowners.
The Florida Division of Forestry Wildfire Management Team used specialized heavy-duty mowing equipment to cut and mulch the vegetation. Once the ladder fuels are removed and the vegetation is in a mulched form it is less flammable and the potential for a wildfire to start and spread is greatly reduced. Yet, if a wildfire were to start in a recently mowed location, the intensity of the flames will be minimized making it much easier to quickly bring under control.
The potential for wildfires still exists in north central Florida due to the large amount of lightning occurring with afternoon thunderstorms. Residents should be careful with all outdoor fires and observe all local burning laws. In Suwannee County 45 wildfires have burned 278 acres since Jan. 1. Escaped yard trash fires were the leading cause.