Why is there so much smoke in the skies over Tampa Bay?
Related video: Fire damages 2 homes in Clearwater
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — If you’re seeing a lot of smoke in the skies over the Tampa Bay area Wednesday night, you’re not alone –– but don’t be alarmed.
According to the Florida Forest Service, a 450-acre prescribed burn is causing the haze. The Withlacoochee Forestry Center is conducting the burn in the Homosassa Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Citrus County, and winds are blowing the smoke south.
Florida mall to remain closed after shooting, report says
The fire will be north of West Brunt Bridge Road and 1.5 miles west of U.S. Highway 19 for hazardous fuel reduction.
Residents have reported poor air quality and smoky skies in the area of North Dale Mabry and Fletcher in Tampa.
A “prescribed burn” is the controlled application of fire by fire experts under specified weather conditions. The purpose of the burn is to restore health to ecosystems, which depend on fire. According to FFS, the burns improve wildlife habitat, eliminate vegetation build up and reduce the threat of future wildlfires.
A map of all the current prescribed burns is on whyprescribedfire.org.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
