DuPage Forest Preserve to Begin Controlled Burns

In the coming weeks, neighbors and passersby may notice signs of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's prescription-burn program at select sites.

Unlike a wildfire, a prescription burn is a deliberately set, controlled, natural-resource-management tool that the Forest Preserve District has used for over 35 years to restore native prairies, wetlands and woodlands. Burns generally take place in late fall after the season's vegetation has died and in early spring before new vegetation emerges.

Because safety depends on the weather and other factors, the District cannot schedule prescription burns in advance. However, on the morning of a prescription burn, the District posts signs and notifies local fire-protection agencies. Specially trained crews remain on-site throughout the process, which takes place only during daylight hours. If these factors are not present, the public should call 911 because they may be witnessing a wildfire.

According to Erik Neidy of the Forest Preserve District's Office of Natural Resources, "We conduct prescription burns partly to remove invasive, exotic plants so fire-tolerant native species can use a greater share of available resources. But fire also breaks down organic plant materials, which speeds the return of valuable nutrients to the soil. It also prevents a buildup of plant debris, which can stunt new growth and keep rainwater from filtering through the soil."

To see a video featuring the District's prescription burn crews in action, click here. 

In DuPage County's woodlands, prescription burns remove invasive vegetation so more sunlight can reach native wildflowers and other plants on the forest floor. The county's forests primarily contain deciduous species, such as oaks, with thick bark that is well-adapted to periodic fire and able to keep flames near the ground. These conditions contrast those in the dense coniferous forests of the West, where an overabundance of flammable materials often enable fires to burn at extremely high temperatures and spread uncontrollably from treetop to treetop, as often reported in the news.

Submitted by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County