GLADES COUNTY -- A controlled burn planned for April 7 has been canceled.

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), had planned a prescribed burn of up to 12,000 acres in Glades County on Monday, April 7, 2025, weather conditions permitting.

On Monday, Florida Forest Service did not issue the required permit.

The burn unit was in Lake Okeechobee, Steamboat Marsh, and is located north of Moore Haven and approximately 2.5 miles south of Lakeport. Smoke may be visible in the area of the burn as identified in the map here.

Florida's natural ecology has a flood-drought-fire cycle. Fire is nature's way of cleaning out dead vegetation, burning up excess nutrient load, in the dry season. Controlled burns reduce the chance of wildfires.

The Florida Forest Service issues burn permits, based on weather conditions, on the day of the burn.  Before issuing a burn permit, the Forest Service considers wind speed and direction.

FWC also uses controlled burns to remove invasive plants. These non-native plants are often sprayed with chemical herbicides in anticipation of a burn.

On April 4, Lake O was 12.49 feet above sea level. The lower lake level makes it possible for  FWC to burn off dead vegetation in the marshy area around the lake's edge, clearing the way for new growth.