Controlled Burns Begin at Shoal River Preserve
In Brief:
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Who: Okaloosa County Land Resources Division, Florida Forest Service, Public Safety, North Okaloosa, Crestview, and Dorcas Fire Departments -
What: Prescribed burns covering about 400 acres -
When: Beginning later this week and continuing through February -
Where: Shoal River Preserve near Crestview in northeast Okaloosa County -
Why: To improve wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, and prepare the preserve for public use
CRESTVIEW, Fla. — Okaloosa County will begin a series of prescribed burns at the Shoal River Preserve later this week as part of an ongoing effort to protect natural habitats, reduce wildfire risks, and prepare the preserve for its public opening later this year.
The controlled burn operation, led by the county’s Land Resources Division in coordination with the Florida Forest Service, Okaloosa County Public Safety, and local fire departments, including North Okaloosa, Crestview, and Dorcas Fire Departments, will cover approximately 400 acres in northeast Okaloosa County. Officials say the burns will continue through February and are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
Residents in nearby areas may notice limited smoke during the operation, though impacts are expected to remain minimal.
County Commission Chairman Trey Goodwin said the effort plays a vital role in maintaining the preserve’s long-term health and public value.
“These burns are a necessary part of creating a healthy wildlife habitat and an important part of creating an ideal space that will soon be open for the enjoyment of residents and visitors,” Goodwin said. “Okaloosa County is fortunate to have a robust tourism industry that has funded the purchase of this land and others in north Okaloosa County to leave a lasting positive impact for the public.”
Prescribed fire is widely used throughout Florida as a land management tool. Officials say it helps reduce hazardous vegetation buildup, improves native plant growth, and creates safer conditions for firefighters by limiting fuel available during wildfire season.
The Shoal River Preserve, spanning approximately 408 acres of mixed pine and hardwood forest along the north shore of the Shoal River near Crestview, was purchased using tourism revenue. Once opened in spring 2026, the preserve will offer outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, paddling, and bird watching.
County leaders say the prescribed burn program is a key step in preparing the preserve for safe public access while protecting the surrounding community.
For more information, visit Why Prescribed Fire:
WhyPrescribedFire.org
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