The Southern Area Decision Support Group recently produced a two-page pdf “Post-Hurricane Fuels and Suppression Considerations Bulletin” that provides some really important factors to keep in mind following the impacts of the 2024 tropical hurricane season on the southeastern US. From South Florida all the way north to Virginia, hundreds of thousands of acres have been profoundly altered in ways that can present new challenges to prescribed fire and wildfire management. Please check out the document (pdf) and share it widely with colleagues and other natural resource managers in the region.

SFE also helped to develop an EDIS Fact Sheet “Hurricane and Tropical Storm Impacts on Prescribed Fire and Wildfire Management Practices” published through the University of Florida IFAS Extension. That document provides additional factors to consider when planning and implementing prescribed fire on storm-damaged lands.

Remember: The impacts of these storms can result in long-term and evolving consequences for fire management. Learn as much as you can from these and other resources and seek the guidance of experienced fire managers. Stay safe out there!