Long ago before homes, streets, and neighborhoods came to Florida - natural fires shaped the land. Lightning strikes sparked fires that burned the landscape repeatedly. Sometimes these fires burned from coast to coast!

Florida's uplands burned so often that the plants and wildlife adapted to not only live with fires, but depend on them for survival. Frequent fire is as important as rain and sunshine in Florida!

Today, the natural landscape has changed due to development, and fires are quickly extinguished to protect human life, homes, and communities. What hasn’t changed is the need for fire in remaining natural areas. Fires replenish soils with nutrients and set the table for new life and diversity.

The St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department has a highly trained team of biologists and land managers who evaluate the land and prescribe fire to natural areas when needed. Prescribed fire is a vital tool used to mimic a natural process, reduce wildfire risk, reduce pests and invasive species, and restore habitats.  To learn more, contact the Environmental Resources Department at 772-462-2526.

The above photos were taken after a prescribed fire at Indrio Savannahs Preserve in northern St. Lucie County. Note the resurgence and abundance of native vegetation in the photo on the right, which was taken 6 months after the fire. Historically, these habitats burned every 3-5 years. The photos show how the ecosystems benefit from the return of fire. Biologists found that plant diversity nearly tripled after the area was thinned and burned; wildflowers and grasses dormant beneath the palmettos were set free and wildlife activity thanks to increased foraging habitat.