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Prescribed Fire Operation

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Prescribed Fire Operation

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Palm Beach County's Prescribed Fire Program Logo ​

Prescribed (CONTROLLED) Fire Operation


ERM staff will be conducting a prescribed fire at Sweetbay Natural Area in western Palm Beach Gardens. Prescribed fires are conducted to sustain fire-adapted vegetation communities on the natural areas and to reduce onsite fuel loads to prevent the occurrence of catastrophic wildfires. Additional support from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Florida Forestry Service will be on hand assisting in the operation. The natural area/public use amenities will be closed until further notice.

​​Aerial Image of Sweetbay Natural Area Showing Footprint of Prescribed Fire Operation for August 15, 2025

What is a prescribed burn?
A prescribed fire is an intentional fire set under carefully controlled conditions to achieve certain land management objectives. These conditions include specific requirements for time of year, temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and moisture content of the vegetation to be burned.  

Why do a prescribed burn? 
​The objectives of prescribed fire is to enhance and maintain native vegetation communities that are fire-dependent in order to provide optimal habitat conditions for wildlife and to reduce the possibility of a destructive wildfire that may threaten properties in the area.

To learn more about ERM​'s Prescribed Fire Program, visit pbcnaturalareas.com/prescribed-fire.


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