Controlled burn season underway in DuPage

DuPage County residents who see smoke billowing from local forest preserves over the next few weeks likely have no need to be concerned — it’s controlled burn season.

In fact, on Wednesday, there were five fires intentionally set at area forest preserves: Timber Ridge in West Chicago, Mayslake in Oak Brook and Herrick Lake in Wheaton, and two at Blackwell in Warrenville.

The fires are set by specially trained DuPage Forest Preserve crews in order to restore native prairies, wetlands and woodlands. The burns also help remove invasive plants, break down organic plant materials and clear any plant debris buildup.

The burns can’t be scheduled in advance, as safety depends on factors such as weather conditions and staff availability to monitor each burn, said Bonnie Olszewski, a public affairs specialist for the district. However, on the day of a prescription burn, the forest preserve district posts signs and notifies people who live near the affected preserves.

“It’s been a busy week for burns because of the weather,” Olszewski said. “Around here, when burn season kicks up, there’s a limited window to do a successful burn once it’s warm enough and the snow has melted, but before spring rains start. Once conditions are right, we jump on it.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the program can attend a seminar from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve. Participants will learn why burns are conducted and, if weather conditions allow, witness a burn in progress. Registration is required. For details, call (630) 933-7248 or visit dupageforest.org.