Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., assuming the weather stays cooperative, crews from the Southwest Florida Water Management District will set a 157-acre prescribed fire at Deer Prairie Creek in Sarasota County. You’ll find the site about a mile and a half south of I-75 and less than a mile east of US-41.

These burns aren’t random. Prescribed fires help prevent destructive wildfires and keep Florida’s conservation lands healthy. They clear out overgrown brush, knock back invasive species, and help native plants and animals thrive. The District carries out these burns on a regular cycle, always with approval from the Florida Forest Service and a careful eye on safety and weather.

If you want updates, you can sign up for email or text alerts about all prescribed burns at WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurnsAlerts. And before worrying about smoke or flames tomorrow, check if it’s a planned fire. Chances are, it’s just the SWFWMD fire at Deer Prairie Creek, working to keep our wild places healthy. 

For more information, visit WaterMatters.org/PrescribedBurns.

The post From Ash to Action: Florida Shifts Gears with 157-Acre Prescribed Burn as Historic Drought Eases appeared first on Englewood Review.

The ban prohibits all bonfires, campfires, and outdoor burning of yard debris within city limits. Grills (both gas and charcoal) remain permitted; however, residents are urged to use extreme caution. Fire pits and cooking pits are not allowed under the current ban.

Current conditions contributing to this decision include total rainfall measuring 10-25% below average, a Drought Index of 610 (on a scale of 0-800), and a fire danger level rated as High to Very High. No significant rain is expected in the near future. The National Weather Service has characterized this condition as abnormally dry.

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice. North Port Fire Rescue urges everyone to help protect lives, homes, and natural areas during this time.

To report illegal outdoor burning, please contact North Port Fire Rescue at 941-240-8150. In an emergency, call 911.

For updates and additional safety information, follow North Port Fire Rescue on official channels.

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