Lake County Prescribed Burn Sends Smoke, Ash Into Seminole County Skies

A large prescribed burn in Lake County sent smoke and ash drifting into Seminole County on Monday, driven by breezy conditions that left residents across the area questioning what was burning and whether they were safe.

The Seminole County Fire Department confirmed the burn was occurring within Rock Springs Run State Reserve Park and could cover up to 300 acres. Strong winds pushed the smoke and ash into parts of Seminole County, including Sanford and Lake Mary. The smoke and odors were most pronounced in Seminole County's northern and western regions.

The City of Lake Mary said it received several calls about smoke in the area. The Seminole County Fire Department also fielded 911 calls, urging residents to hold off on dialing emergency lines unless conditions worsened. Officials emphasized that prescribed burns "are controlled and closely monitored to help reduce wildfire risk and maintain the health of our natural lands" and that "there is no threat to the public at this time."

The controlled fire, intended to manage vegetation, sent smoke drifting eastward due to prevailing west winds, reducing visibility and causing noticeable odors in Seminole and Orange Counties. Residents across Lake Mary reported ash falling on cars and outdoor surfaces throughout the day.

Despite the alarming skies, fire officials stressed the distinction between prescribed burns and wildfires. The burns are closely monitored operations designed to protect natural lands, not emergencies. Residents were advised that those with asthma, respiratory conditions, or other sensitivities should limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed until smoke levels subsided.

Rock Springs Run State Reserve, located off State Road 46 in Sorrento, is a 14,000-acre reserve in Lake County. Its landscape of sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, and swamps along the Wekiva River makes it a prime candidate for periodic prescribed burns, which help maintain the ecological balance of the reserve.

As winds shift, other areas could experience similar conditions. Officials asked that residents not call 911 to report smoke smell alone, but do call if they spot thick columns of smoke or open flames, which would signal an uncontrolled fire situation.