How controlled burns help keep our forest preserves healthy

If you see a fire in a DuPage County forest preserve this fall, chances are it's no cause for alarm.

In coming weeks trained crews from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will be conducting prescription burns at select sites in the county's preserves.

The district has used this deliberately set, controlled, natural-resource management tool for more than 35 years to restore native prairies, wetlands and woodlands. Prescription 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. Notifications are mailed to residents who live near scheduled burn locations, and on the morning of a prescription burn, the district posts signs and notifies local fire departments. Specially trained crews remain on the 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.

"Prescription burns help control invasive, exotic plants so desirable native species with deep root systems can thrive," said Erik Neidy, district director of natural resources. "But fire also balances the relationship between prairie and wooded areas in our natural landscapes, returning a rich biodiversity of habitats."

A more in-depth look at prescription burns is offered at "Introduction to Prescription Burns," a free all-ages program that will be offered twice - from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, and Sunday, Nov. 20 - at Churchill Woods along St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn. The program will explain the how, when and why of the district's prescription burn program and show a burn in progress, weather permitting. Register online or by calling (630) 933-7248.

Those interested in learning more about prescription burns also can watch a video featuring the district's prescription burn crews in action.

"Prescription burns help us keep our forest preserves healthy for native prairies, wetlands and woodlands," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Jeff Redick, District 2.

Prescription burns are not to be confused with the catastrophic uncontrolled wildfires that occur in the dense coniferous forest of the West, where an overabundance of flammable materials often enables fires to burn at extremely high temperatures and spread uncontrollably from treetop to treetop.