SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Prescribed burns are being conducted at the Black Hammock Wilderness Area and the Wekiva River Preserve State Park in Seminole County, according to the Seminole County Fire Department.

The Seminole County Fire Department and Natural Lands team are conducting the Black Hammock burn, and that wilderness area is closed to the public Friday only.

Florida Forest Service crews are performing the 325-acre burn in the northern part of Seminole County at the Wekiva River Preserve State Park, according to the Seminole County Fire Department. 

The burns could result in smoky conditions in parts of the county and some other areas of Central Florida, so fire officials request that the public not call 911 to report smoke, fire officials said.

Thick chimneys of smoke, and even some flames, might be visible in the Black Hammock Wilderness Area so the public is urged not to call 911 about those conditions, too.

Prescribed burns typically are conducted to reduce the amount of vegetation in designated areas to help prevent unmanaged wildfires from naturally occurring or because of people's actions. The burns also help clear out the area so wildlife has room to return.