provided to The Santiva Chronicle
UPDATE: The prescribed burn conducted by “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Friday at the Legion Curve on Sanibel Captiva Road was successfully completed. The site will be monitored for the next several days and occasional smoke may be seen.
The J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will be conducting a prescribed burn Friday, Feb. 18 in the Legion Curve Unit on Sanibel Captiva Road.
Prescribed burns in the JN “Ding” Darling Refuge are implemented by a highly qualified and trained staff of interagency professional fire specialists. The primary reasons for conducting these burns are to remove the over accumulation of vegetation acting as fire fuel along our wildland-urban interface to protect our community private property and residents, and for ecological purposes aimed at mimicking a natural fire in the marsh habitat. This activity creates a defensible space between refuge lands and private property that helps to prevent, or reduce, the threat of wildfires by reducing fuel loads. Restoration and maintenance of fire-dependent island habitats is essential for a healthy ecosystem. Prescribed burns are important for the continued survival of important species such as the gopher tortoise, Sanibel Island rice rat and swallow-tailed kite.
Although we work to minimize smoke impacts to residents, individuals are encouraged to stay indoors, close your windows and keep your air conditioning on. If you are extremely smoke sensitive, you may prefer to leave the island for the day. Smoke may be visible from all areas of the island during the burn day and for several days after the active burn is complete. Ash from the fire will travel beyond the burn area, residents in the Legion Curve area may want to close windows and cover vulnerable outdoor belongings. Firefighters will continue to patrol, monitor and mop up any fire activity through the weekend.
Refuge staff will be stationed and available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18 at Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Rd., to answer questions regarding these events to the community.
For more information about prescribed burning and ongoing activities visit our refuge Facebook page.
Smoke sensitive individuals may inquire and be put on the City’s Smoke Sensitive list by contacting them at 239-472-3700.
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