***Apalachicola National Forrest**
2 May 2025 JUNIPER SWAMP FIRE UPDATE – Crews Will Use Aerial Ignition For Final Firing Operations
U.S. Forest Service firefighters continue firefighting efforts on the Juniper Swamp Fire, in the Apalachicola National Forest. The lightning-caused fire which began on April 10 continues to burn towards control lines and is now 3,886 acres and 82% contained.
Wildfire Operations: Yesterday wildland firefighters conducted strategic firing operations to reduce fuel loads within control lines. Crews on the ground utilized drip-torches to ignite patches of fuel along roadways to reduce the intensity of the wildfire as it approaches the perimeter. Today, firing operations will be delayed due to dense fog; to alleviate the loss of ignition time this morning, aerial resources will aid in firing operations which will not only decrease the time it takes to burn-out vegetation in the swamp, but also reduces the amount of firefighters needed for a ground ignition operation in the interior of the Juniper Swamp Fire. Although the increased ignition capacity will produce more smoke in a shorter amount of time, the favorable weather conditions should allow the smoke to carry up and away from the area reducing the smoke impact in local communities. Ground crews will also continue patrolling the perimeter to search for remaining hazards and hot spots needing mop-up.
Of Note: Aerial ignition with plastic spherical dispensers (PSD) increases the time and coverage a specific area can be ignited for firing operations during a wildfire or controlled prescription burns. Aerial ignition presents a safer environment for ground crews by requiring fewer firefighters to work in dense fuel pockets, such as the Johnson Juniper Swamp. Fire crews face many threats during any wildfire, but the soft ground, presence of alligators, snakes, ticks, and other wild animals and vegetation present unique hazards. Aerial ignition uses mapping to put fire in a precise, measured and targeted manner. This means planners can direct pilots and PSD machine operators to a specific location and space PSD drops to put just the right amount of fire needed. Firefighters on the ground can then work along the fire line to monitor progress.
Weather and smoke: Today warming and drying conditions are expected with minimal chances of rain. Smoke should not impact communities during the day but may impact roadways later in the evening. Commuters should reduce speed and turn on lights if smoke is encountered on the road. DO NOT stop on the roadway if encountering smoke, drive slowly and pull to the side when safe to do so.
Closures: The Camel Lake Recreation Area Campground and Day Use areas remain open, but visitors are encouraged to use caution if traveling on National Forest Road 105 and to refrain from entering the Forest area north of NFR 105 as on-going wildfire operations and fire equipment will be present.
Access is restricted to the Florida National Scenic Trail at the following trailheads:
• Savannah Trailhead
• Camel Lake Recreation Area
• Intersection of Florida National Scenic Trail and National Forest Road 105.
Hikers may use County Rd 12 and Forest Rd 105 to bypass the fire area. Visit U.S. Forest Service – National Forests in Florida for more information
https://data.tallahassee.com/fires/juniper-swamp/8cc11012-70d1-4fd7-a507-d82333ee27e6