A machine mounted in the helicopter drops plastic spheres about the size of ping pong balls that ignite once on the ground by chemical reaction. Since Everglades National Park has a vast area of designated wilderness it is one of the few places in the eastern United States where naturally occurring fires may be allowed to burn without suppression actions. This is done to maintain the natural fire regime in the Park. These fires are closely monitored, must be deemed as beneficial to the natural environment and present no risks to persons or property. This fire burned 1000 acres during three days in August 1997 near the headwaters of the North River in the Everglades backcountry.
Smoke is always a concern to fire managers.
Smoke can threaten public safety by hindering visibility at roads or airports and can cause health problems for many people.