Prescribed Burn Today, July 26, In Eastern Hillsborough

Given the heat of the last couple of days you might be forgiven for thinking that burning smell in the air today, July, 26, is spontaneous combustion but if you are whiffing smoke in the air look to the county.

The Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department is conducting a prescribed burn at Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, 2469 Patrinostro Road in Eastern Hillsborough.

The burn will last one day. The purpose of the burn is for ecological site management and site security.

Prescribed burns are part of the management plan objectives for lands operated by the county and are aimed at maintaining the Florida ecosystems.

The burns maintain the biological diversity of the natural areas and ensure public safety through the reduction of hazardous fuels in a balance between natural lands and urban living environments, said the parks department in a release announcing the burn.

For more information, residents should contact the parks department at 813-672-7876.