Prescribed Burn FAQs

A prescribed fire is deliberately lit by certified professionals to mimic a naturally occurring fire and its benefits to the ecosystem. It must follow a “prescription.” The prescription lists the purpose and objectives for the burn, the size of the area to be burned, and the conditions that need to be met before the burn can happen. These conditions include wind speed and direction, relative humidity, temperature, and the likelihood of smoke impacting developed areas.

We plan to burn within an area that is approximately 1.5 acres in the northern portion of the Preserve. The habitat in this area is scrubby flatwoods and is adjacent to one of the hiking trails of the Smith Upland Preserve. 

The Garden is closed Tuesdays in August & September to allow for completion of large-scale projects, the Garden will reopen on Wednesday, August 20.

The fire will be taking place August 19, beginning roughly around 10:30am and lasting several hours. It will be completed and “mopped up”(flames extinguished) before sundown.  

The Natural Resources Team has prepared the designated area to be ready for prescribed fire. Safety measures include:

• The creation of “fire breaks” or pathways clear of plants and debris. These paths prevent the spread of the fire beyond the designated area.
• Debris removal. Staff have raked and removed excess fuels and other accumulated materials from bases of trees that we don’t want to burn to limit the fire’s intensity.
• Tree trimming. Staff have removed low-growing branches to prevent flames from climbing into the canopy.
• Training. Our conservationists have taken all state-required coursework and gained experience by assisting with prescribed fires on other nearby conservation lands.
• Continued monitoring over the next several days.

Along with our trained staff, the Garden is hiring a certified prescribed burn manager and team to complete this prescribed burn. Personnel from partner organizations may assist as well. Greater Naples Fire Department may also be on site. 

The flames will die down as plant matter burns off. We will douse any remaining embers or hot spots with water—known as “mopping up”—and continue to monitor the area.

Because of the burn day’s forecast and wind direction, smoke impacts are expected to be minimal. If you have questions or concerns about your Garden visit, please see a Visitor Services representative at Ticketing.

Many species of wildlife will be able to leave the area to escape the fire. Other species can seek refuge in tortoise burrows or have other adaptations to be protected during a fire.

Many of Florida’s unique habitats, such as pine uplands, depend on fire to remain healthy. The flames promote the growth of new grasses, which nourish wildlife. They encourage seed production. Fires also clear accumulated debris, such as fallen leaves and dead plant matter. This helps to limit the intensity and spread of a wildfire, should one start.

In nature, lightning starts wildfires. In highly developed areas, roads, parking lots, and other humanmade structures prevent a lightning strike from sparking a blaze and spreading to new areas. When fires do start, fast-acting emergency management agencies extinguish them quickly.