Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of
control.

District Aims to Reduce Risk of Wildfires by Scheduling Prescribed Fires for Starkey Wilderness Preserve and Annuteliga Hammock

That’s why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be
conducting prescribed burns October through December at Annutteliga Hammock in Hernando
County.
 
Annutteliga Hammock is located east of U.S. Highway 19, north of Centralia Road and
south of the county line. Approximately 75 acres will be burned in small, manageable
units.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be also be conducting
prescribed burns October through December on the Starkey Wilderness Preserve.
 
Starkey Wilderness Preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast
Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 1,000 acres will be
burned in small, manageable units.
Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

• Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
• Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants.
• Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat.
• Maintaining access for public recreation.

The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year. 

Click here to see aerial footage from a prescribed fire in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve

where District land management staff burned 320 acres.