Smoke fills the air across Southwest Florida as winds push the smoke from a controlled burn in Charlotte County southwest into Lee County.
A 1,600-acre silvicultural burn is underway in the Babcock Ranch Preserve, northeast of the Babcock community.
Silvicultural burns are conducted to manage forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and promote the growth of certain tree species.
To stay safe, close windows and doors, limit outdoor activities and protect yourself from smoke exposure.
Last week, the Florida Forestry Service emphasized that all burns are conducted under strict guidelines and weather conditions to ensure safety and minimize the impact on surrounding communities.
See an interactive map of actively controlled burns provided by the Florida Forest Service.