OUC began a series of prescribed burns in the southeast section at the Stanton Energy Center, Zone 1. About 158 acres of vegetation are scheduled to be burned starting at around 10:00 a.m. today.
The burns help reduce brush and vegetation buildup that can fuel wildfires. OUC crews follow strict safety guidelines to keep flames, typically no more than six inches off the ground, safely controlled. The annual burns are required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Division of Forestry and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The work also reduces hazardous fuel and supports habitat restoration for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, a threatened species found in Central Florida and across the Southeast. The burns recycle nutrients back into the soil, encourage new plant growth and support species with declining populations, including the Red-cockaded woodpecker. Residents can learn more about how OUC protects wildlife and habitats within the 3,200-acre nature preserve at the Stanton Energy Center by visiting OUC.com/Stanton.
Press release issued by Orlando Utilities Commission:
https://www.ouc.com/about/news/ouc-conducts-annual-prescribed-burn-jan-2026/
🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.
