PANAMA CITY BEACH — Bay County residents living near Naval Support Activity Panama City may soon see plumes of smoke rising as the base conducts “prescribed” or controlled burns of undergrowth in its forested areas.
NSA PC environmental officials request authorizations through the Florida Forest Service to conduct prescribed burns in areas with overgrown vegetation at several locations on the Navy’s property between the Hathaway Bridge and Magnolia Beach Road.
With proper weather conditions, a prescribed burn could be conducted during any favorable weather period beginning in November 2014 through Aug. 31, 2015. Ideal weather conditions include a slight breeze, moderate humidity, and ground effects that would dissipate the smoke and ash vertically.
Prescribed burns will be conducted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Navy employees and housing residents are requested to stay clear of the affected areas. Only NSA PC and Forest Service personnel with responsibilities inside the burn area will be permitted past checkpoints.