POLK COUNTY, Fla. — If you see smoke in Polk County, it's likely the Polk County's Parks and Natural Resources Division performing a controlled burn.
The fire will be conducted on Tuesday within the SUMICA conservation area spanning 340 acres, east of Lake Wales. The area will be closed to the public on Tuesday and is expected to reopen on Wednesday, according to a news release. The area is in the southeast part of the county along the northeastern shore of Lake Walk-in-Water.
The burn is a safe way to reduce the risk of wildlife and maintain the health of natural areas. Although they are harmless, people who live nearby can still take precautions.
Keeping doors and windows closed and not going outside can be beneficial to people with health-related issues triggered by smoke.
The burns prevent wildfires by reducing natural fuel, such as branches and pine needles, from building up. This reduces the intensity and heat of a wildfire if one happens.
Plant life benefits as the fires clear out competing vegetation and stimulate growth, which also provides food for wildlife.
