A planned prescribed burn at Rock Springs Run State Reserve in Lake County sent a thick veil of smoke and a strong, lingering campfire scent into northern and western Seminole County on Monday. Residents across the northern suburbs reported hazy skies and the smell of smoke as the plume drifted east.
According to WFTV, the prescribed fire at Rock Springs Run is authorized to cover up to about 300 acres and is producing visible smoke and odors in Seminole County, especially in northern and western neighborhoods. The station reported that crews ignited the burn yesterday afternoon and that the smoke plume was visible across a wide area.
Rock Springs Run State Reserve, located near Sorrento and managed by Florida State Parks, spans thousands of acres of pine flatwoods, swamps, and multi-use trails used for habitat management. Periodic prescribed burns are described as a routine part of land stewardship at the park, and public access can be limited while burns are underway, per Florida State Parks.
Why crews burn
Land managers rely on prescribed fire to reduce hazardous fuel loads, lower the risk of larger wildfires, and maintain habitats that evolved with frequent fire. As the St. Johns River Water Management District explains, these burns are planned under strict, pre-set conditions to limit safety and air-quality impacts while helping restore natural communities. The district notes that even under those controls, burns can still send temporary smoke and light ash downwind, as outlined by SJRWMD.
Health and safety tips for residents
Smoke from even a well-managed burn contains fine particles that can irritate eyes and lungs and worsen heart or respiratory conditions. Federal guidance from AirNow recommends limiting outdoor activity when smoke is present, keeping indoor air as clean as possible, and using filtration or recirculated air if you can.
Local fire officials also routinely remind residents not to call 911 just for the smell of smoke or light haze, and to reserve emergency calls for active flames or a clearly visible column of smoke. That guidance has been stressed during past Lake County and Seminole County smoke events, as reported by WESH.
What to expect next
Depending on wind and weather, smoke from a prescribed burn can travel across county lines and linger for several hours. Crews typically remain on scene until the perimeter and interior fuels are secured and any remaining hot spots are under control.
For the latest visitor advisories and operational updates, residents can check the Rock Springs Run State Reserve information through Florida State Parks or follow county public-safety feeds for any closures or air-quality notices.
If you see active flames or feel you are in immediate danger, call 911. For nuisance smoke, officials advise closing windows, running air conditioning on recirculate if available, and following public-health guidance from AirNow and local fire agencies.
