Central Florida Prescribed Fire Council

07/17/2026

New research from UC Davis suggests that investing in forest fuel treatments can yield substantial financial and societal returns and reduced wildfire spread and severity.

Researchers analyzed nearly 300 wildfires across the western United States to demonstrate that every dollar spent on forest thinning and prescribed burns saves approximately $3.75 in overall wildfire damages. Forest fuel treatments reduced total burned acreage by 36% and significantly lowered the occurrence of devastating, high-severity crown fires.

Read more about the study: https://www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news/forest-fuel-treatments-reduce-wildfire-spread-prevent-28-billion-damage

Photo Credit: U.S. Forest Service photo by Lisa Cox

03/16/2026

02/21/2026

🔥CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT🔥
🌳8th Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference
🌳June 2-4, 2026 - Bloomington, Indiana
🔗https://web.cvent.com/event/8dac66b8-8114-445b-991e-f3f5a154ec6c/summary

The Fire in Eastern Oak Forests Conference is a major conference focused on fire in oak forests, woodlands, and savannas where noted experts in research and management gather to present state-of-the-art information, perspectives and synthesis on key issues. This conference will emphasize topics relevant to management of oak-dominated forests, woodlands, and savannas and will be of interest to managers, scientists, landowners, consultants, and students.

The theme of this conference is “Re-igniting Fire Ecosystems and Cultures”. This conference is particularly tailored to land managers and applications. The conference will feature invited presentations, an open poster session, management focused panel discussions, exhibits, and professional networking opportunities. The schedule will include a day of speakers and panel discussions, a field trip day, followed by a final day of speakers and panel discussions. Continuing Education Credits will be offered through the Society of American Foresters and The Wildlife Society.

02/15/2026

Let’s be ready for the worst

ARE YOU WILDFIRE READY?

With prolonged dry conditions and elevated drought indices across much of the state combined with recent hard freezes, northcentral Florida is facing an increased wildfire risk earlier than usual this year.

Vegetation that has dried out from lack of rainfall, combined with frost kill, gusty winds and low humidity, creates an environment where even a small spark can rapidly spread.

The Florida Forest Service is closely monitoring conditions and urges residents to adhere to county-enacted burn bans, maintain defensible space around homes, and take every precaution to prevent wildfires before they start.

For more information on how to prepare your home and property for the potential damaging effects from wildfire, visit https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Wildland-Fire/Fire-Prevention/Be-Wildfire-Ready

02/11/2026

Welcome to the official page of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service!

The new service streamlines wildfire prevention, response, and recovery efforts across public lands administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, setting the nation on a course to build a more resilient future.

This is your official source for news, updates, and information from USWFS. Follow us to learn more about how we are modernizing wildland fire management within Interior to support more resilient landscapes and safer communities.

Learn more: https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfireservice

01/31/2026

Those of us in our southern counties have to think about something we haven't had to very much in the last few years...freezing pipes on our water handling equipment! If you're cold they're cold. We can either bring them in or winterize our pumps and exposed pipes tonight and tomorrow night if they stay outside as a precautionary measure.

01/31/2026

Share with any teacher friends and family you may have!

📝 Applications Now Open for 2026 Florida Forestry Teachers Tour 📝

The Florida Forest Service invites educators across the state to apply for this summer’s Florida Forestry Teachers Tour. This year’s annual tour is scheduled for June 16-19, 2026. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 27, 2026.

The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the forest industry meets the needs of Florida’s communities and the environment, which includes conservation practices and efforts established to keep our state’s forests healthy, renewable, and sustainable for future generations.

“This tour allows educators from around the state to experience a hands-on look at the cultivation of one of Florida’s most important natural resources,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “They can then take everything they’ve learned back to the classroom to enlighten another generation.”

The four-day event also earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units (CEU) and includes all aspects of forestry practices. Attendees will visit tree farms to see tree planting and harvesting, then tour a local lumber mill to learn how various wood products are made, plus an assortment of other activities and tours.

Educators of all subjects and grade levels across Florida are encouraged to apply. All lodging, meals, and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Florida Project Learning Tree, and Friends of Florida State Forests.

To apply, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.