spring prescribed burns
Downers Grove is planning two prescribed burns by mid-April depending on weather conditions:
- Friday, Feb. 27: The wetland bank located at 40th & Glendenning (Near Wallingford Park)
- TBD: Lyman Woods (PSA I & PSA III)
Updates will be posted here prior to burning.
what is Prescribed Fire?
A prescribed fire is the most widely accepted and cost effective method of natural area stewardship, as it continues the necessary process that nature started thousands of years ago. Once prairie areas become established, the site requires only a minimal amount of care. The mature prairie plants prevent many weeds from becoming established.
Prescribed fire protects wildlife by helping to maintain their prairie habitat by reducing thatch, weeds, and vegetation, and is a natural method to control invasive plant species. Fire releases nutrients back to the soil to stimulate the growth of native plants and increases plant and animal diversity. Controlled fire also reduces undesirable woody growth and reduces the chance of deadly wildfires.
Who does the burning?
Each burn is supervised by a burn boss that has extensive practical experience conducting prescribed burns. The Park District has two burn managers on staff that are certified in the S130/S190 sections for Wildland fire training and are equipped with proper clothing and equipment that meet the National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) standards.
A Burn Plan is developed that addresses the specific preparations for the site including:
- Existing site conditions
- Site ecology
- Time of year
- Wind direction
- Relative humidity
- Estimated number of crew members and equipment required to execute the fire safely and effectively.
Are Permits issued?
All prescribed fires are conducted with permits from the state Environmental Protection Agency divisions and the local fire department.
- Illinois EPA
- Village of Downers Grove Fire Department
Who else is notified?
Local fire and police departments are contacted prior to, during, and after the fire. Written notification is sent to property owners adjacent to the burn site.
How often should an area be burned?
After a prairie area is planted and begins to establish, a burn should be conducted when volumes of combustible fuels are available. Each site will develop at various rates. On average it takes approximately 3 years to develop enough fuel to conduct a successful prescribed burn. Following the establishment period, prescribed burns should take place on an alternating year schedule to successfully maintain the prairie.
What precautions are taken?
Although prescribed burning is an excellent management tool, by its own nature, it is potentially dangerous.
- Fire breaks are established prior to the burn day.
- 4 to 8 foot wide fire breaks are mowed, raked, or plowed around the burn area, and are established prior to the burn day to contain the prescribed burn.
- Natural (creeks) and artificial firebreaks (roads, ditches, or ponds) are also utilized to contain the fire.
- Extra water is on hand for fire pumps.
- Backfires (a fire that burns into the prevailing winds) and strip burning (lighting smaller strip areas to reduce excess smoke production) provide better management of the fire and increase the width of fire breaks, thereby reducing the possibility of crossing the fire lane.
What weather conditions are recommended for prescribed burns?
Illinois DNR recommends that "prescribed" burns be conducted between October 1 and April 30. Wind velocities between 5-15 mph. Temperatures should be between 30 - 60 degrees F. Relative Humidity between 25% - 50%