BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Dry weather is leading to increased risk for wildfires. The season typically peaks in April, May and June due to little or no rainfall.

That is why agencies conduct prescribed burns to reduce the amount of dry brush and manage the land.

A team on the front lines explain how planning and strategy have become a proven way to protect property.

The large plume of smoke on the horizon could be cause for concern. But because of the work of one man and his team, there is no need to worry.

It is the beginning of 4,000-acre prescribed burn in the River Lakes Conservation Area west of Viera near Lake Winder.

 It takes a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation to get to this point.

“Our guys are well trained and well-motivated, they are willing to do what it takes,” says Doug Voltolina of the St. John’s Water Management District.

Burn boss Voltolina brings 25 years’ experience to this craft.

His father was a firefighter with the Florida Forestry Service, and he began learning when he was just 10 years old.

He says doing this job requires planning, precision, and a solid team approach. 

At the heart of the work, a helicopter overhead, dropping specialized fireballs onto the brush below. In under an hour, a planned 300 acres is set ablaze on purpose. 

And behind the burn, there is a lot of science involved.

Weather conditions must be just right, so things don’t get out of control.

The goal is to manage the fire while minimizing the impacts to residents and traffic. All while the team is in position, just in case something does happen.

Officials say prescribed burns are essential in reducing potential fuel after lightning strikes. They reduce the chances of dangerous brushfires, allow animals to safely move away and become adapted to the fires, and help the soil rebuild nutrients.

Voltolina and his team say there are some key takeaways why they do this.

“With the expansion of Florida in what’s called the wildlife urban interface, you have the houses in this area, we are just keeping natural Florida more natural, this is what needs to happen,” he explains.