Residents in Panama City, Southport, and Lynn Haven, Florida, reported seeing smoke Thursday afternoon, causing some concern that a fire might be burning nearby.
One resident wrote on Facebook, "Ash seen reaching the surface in Southport."
Another reported, "It’s so heavy in SweetBay I thought it was storm clouds."
What is the smoke? Is there a fire?
The smoke is coming from a 472-acre prescribed burn in the Breakfast Point area, according to the Panhandle Weather Facebook page.
Winds are blowing from the southwest toward the northeast, carrying the smoke over Panama City and toward Southport and Lynn Haven. Officials say there is no concern about the fire spreading.
According to the page, the smoke is also creating a noticeable weather phenomenon. A pyrocumulus cloud has formed above the burn. It may look like smoke, but it is actually a cloud created when the intense heat from the fire causes warm air to rise, cool and condense.
{{/usCountry}}According to the page, the smoke is also creating a noticeable weather phenomenon. A pyrocumulus cloud has formed above the burn. It may look like smoke, but it is actually a cloud created when the intense heat from the fire causes warm air to rise, cool and condense.
{{/usCountry}}What are prescribed burns?
Prescribed burns are planned fires that trained professionals intentionally set under controlled weather and environmental conditions. They are used to manage vegetation, reduce the risk of wildfires and support healthy ecosystems.
These controlled fires can create a lot of visible smoke, especially when winds carry it toward nearby communities.
Current wildfires in Florida
Around 13 active wildfires were reported across Florida, covering roughly 2,710 acres. Most of the activity was outside the Panhandle.
Some of the fires reported elsewhere in the state included the Big Pine Key Fire, covering around 35 acres.
A smaller fire, the Bull Fire in Franklin County, was also listed in some trackers. It covered roughly 30 acres, with limited or unclear containment information in the latest updates.