Smokey bear says "only you can prevent forest fires," but sometimes starting a fire intentionally will do just as much good.

April is in the peak of forest fire season. And now, with little rain so far in the month of April things are prime to burn. Despite the risk, Florida Division of Forestry is trying to prevent fires by starting fires.

On Friday, they are burning about twenty acres of private land near Melrose. They hope to limit the risk of a forest fire spreading to surrounding homes. Not only does this protect against wildfires, but also helps the environment.

The number one cause of fires is not lightning, but actually people who start fires for campsites or just burning some material in their backyard.
The fire spreads to surrounding areas or smolders when it is thought to be out.

Florida Forestry encourages people to stay with the fire until it is put out and to check it later to see if it is smoldering.

So far, this fire season has been quiet but things could change quickly.