Boca Raton. Delray Beach. Deerfield Beach. Coconut Creek.
DEERFIELD BEACH, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division has announced plans to conduct a prescribed burn at the Military Trail Natural Area this week. In partnership with the Florida Forest Service, officials are scheduled to burn approximately two acres of scrubby flatwoods at the site, located at 4600 N.W. Ninth Ave./N. Military Trail, on Friday, December 12, 2025. As a safety precaution to ensure public welfare during the operation, the natural area will be closed to visitors for the entire day.
Officials emphasize that prescribed fire is a critical management tool required to maintain the health of these natural areas. Beyond the immediate safety benefit of decreasing the threat of catastrophic wildfires by reducing thick undergrowth, the process plays a significant ecological role. These controlled burns are essential for maintaining specific vegetation communities, which in turn increases biodiversity and significantly improves habitats for local wildlife.
The operation represents a coordinated effort between local and state agencies to ensure professional execution. The burn will be conducted by Broward County Parks personnel working directly in conjunction with professionally trained firefighters from the Florida Forest Service. This collaboration ensures that the fire is managed by experts familiar with the specific requirements of the scrubby flatwoods ecosystem.
Residents are advised that the schedule is strictly dependent on the weather. Specific atmospheric conditions must be present for the prescribed burn to proceed safely and effectively. If conditions on Friday do not meet these rigorous standards, the fire will be called off and rescheduled for a future date when conditions are favorable.
