TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The U.S. Forest Service is prescribed burning in the Apalachicola National Forest today.

The 1,671 acre prescribed burn will take place near Queens Bay in the area of Forest Roads 126 and 111. The burn will improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of wildfires.

People are reminded that the smoke they may see today and tomorrow in this vicinity is not coming from a wildfire. Motorists are cautioned to drive slowly with lights on while traveling in smoky areas. Drivers should be particularly cautious in areas where prescribed fires have taken place when it is foggy. Morning fog can mix with smoke and decrease visibility further.

This is one of many prescribed burns the Apalachicola National Forest is doing during the 2012 prescribed burning season.

Individuals who are sensitive to smoke may contact the Apalachicola Zone Fire Management Officer at 850-926-3561, ext. 6523, to be placed on a notification list for future burns.

Today’s burn is in burn unit 50 (see the Apalachicola’s 2012 planned burn map):