Fires Role at the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve
On Sunday, June 22, a lightning strike during a storm sparked fire at the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (SJBSBP). Fortunately, the fire ignited within one of the pre-designated burn zones, allowing for a rapid and strategic response. Thanks to the swift actions from SJBSBP staff, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve staff, volunteers and the Florida Forest Service, the wildfire was quickly contained, and further spreading was prevented.
The SJBSBP has an extensive fire management program focused on the strategic use of prescribed fire. This practice helps prevent larger, uncontrollable fires from occurring and benefits native species. Although it may seem counterintuitive, prescribed fire can be proactively used to fight wildfires. Regularly scheduled prescribed fires, typically every three years, reduces excess vegetation and deadfall that would otherwise intensify fires. When prescribed fire is not utilized, deadfall and aggressive vegetation can accumulate, acting as fuel to create the perfect conditions for wildfires that burn hotter, spread faster and are significantly harder to control. By implementing prescribed fire at SJBSBP, these fuels are never allowed to build up, ensuring that any wildfires that still occur are usually low intensity and easier to manage.
SJBSBP’s wildfire preparation enables quick and efficient response. Firefighting equipment is always ready for any situation that might occur, and all staff members are wildland firefighter certified. Additionally, the entire Buffer Preserve is split into “burn units”, sections of land that are surrounded by fire lines to help prevent unwanted fire from spreading from one zone to the other and burning large areas. These burn units help prevent massive wildfires as well as create pre-designated areas for prescribed burns.
At SJBSBP, there are 25 plant species considered state or federally endangered or imperiled but require prescribed fire to remain healthy. Several of these species need fire to germinate, clear competing vegetation and allow essential sunlight to reach forest floor dwelling plants. Additionally, the resulting soot from prescribed fire brings rich nutrient ash to the soil that helps plants grow. Plants benefitting from fire in turn support animals throughout the ecosystem, from small insects to large mammals.
To learn more about prescribed fire, the preserve’s natural resources or recreational opportunities, please visit the SJBSBP visitor center at 3915 State Road 30-A, Port St. Joe, FL 32456, or give us a call at 850-229-1787.