SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Have you seen smoke in Seminole County? The fire department says a prescribed burn is taking place at the Black Hammock Wilderness Area.
Sky 6 flew over the 24-acre fire east of Lake Jessup, where smoke could be seen from Oviedo and Geneva.
There were two prescribed burns in the area Tuesday, including a 134-acre burn at Little Big Econ. Smoke could be seen near Snow Hill Rd. The second burn in Volusia County was more than 3,000 acres. The smoke from that fire could be seen in Chuluota and Winter Springs, and other parts of Seminole County.
A third prescribed burn is happening in Viera near I-95, and is 3,800 acres in size.
4/17/24 | A 3,800-acre prescribed burn is taking place today West I-95 & Wickham Rd. in Viera. pic.twitter.com/OsWgJgnbsK
— Brevard EOC (@BrevardEOC) April 17, 2024
Our News 6 Pinpoint Weather Team says if you live, work, or you’re going to be around areas that are north and west of any prescribed burn in the coming days, you will most likely see smoke. And there’s a reason why we are seeing so much of it this week.
“It’s that big ridge of high pressure, the same one that’s keeping us dry and hot for the next few days,” said Meteorologist Candace Campos. “Think of it like a boiling pot of water and you put a lid on top. That high pressure is like that lid, so it keeps all of that smoke down to the surface, doesn’t let it escape.”
Meteorologist Candace Campos also said light winds are also why it’s taking time to push some of the smoke out of the area.
The Seminole County Fire Department says do not call 911 to report smoke or haze from a prescribed burn. Only call 911 to report thick chimneys of smoke or flames.
You can see where all active prescribed burns are happening near you through the Florida Forest Service’s online map.
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