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- Info
Florida's regional fire councils: Tools for fire management
| Author: |
Miller, Steven R. |
| Date: |
1998 |
| Periodical: |
In: Pruden,Teresa L.; Brennan, Leonard A., eds. Fire in ecosystem management: shifting the paradigm from suppression to prescription. Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference Proceedings, No. 20; 1996 May 7-10; Boise, ID. Tallahassee, Fl: Tall Timbers Resear |
| Abstract: |
Florida's natural communities evolved under the influence of frequent, low-intensity lightning fires. Many communities require such fires for continued existence. Fire managers must contend with the increasing pressure of a burgeoning population. The state's population increases by 900 people per day. With each day of population growth, prescribed burning becomes more difficult. Three regional fire councils have been created to help ensure that prescribed fire remains a viable tool for managing Florida's private and public lands. The South Florida Interagency Wildland Fire Council was the first to be established, in October 1974, in response to severe wildfire problems. The North Florida Prescribed Fire Council was established in September 1989, followed by the Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council in February 1992. The mission of the councils is to encourage the exchange of information, techniques, and experiences among practitioners of prescribed fire, and to promote a public understanding of the importance and benefits of prescribed fire. Each council is composed of representatives from various private and public organizations and agencies involved in prescribed burning. Effective land, landscape, and especially ecosystem management in Florida require sound fire management. Population growth, public opinion, and smoke management concerns can easily result in further regulation or prohibition of prescribed burning. Florida's fire councils are working to ensure that prescribed fire remains a land management tool. |
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