'Why's The Ditch On Fire?': Prescription Burns In DuPage County

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — If you've ever driven through more rural parts of DuPage County during the spring and fall months, you may have noticed ditches that appear to be on fire with crews present. That's likely not an accident; it's usually a controlled prescription burn done by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District whenever the season changes.

As the prescription burn season is about to start again, many people don't know the reason for these prescribed burns, but Patch is here to fill you in.

Prescription Burn History in DuPage County

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District reports that the first-ever prescription burn in DuPage County was conducted

Benefits of Prescription Burns

According to the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, prescription burns are done in the springtime when new vegetation emerges and in the fall after vegetation has died. The annual prescription burns help control invasive plant species that sap vital nutrients and resources from native plants and "rob wild animals of vital habitat," according to the DuPage Forest Preserve District's website.

The plants are burned so they will convert to ash and can create fertilizer for new, native plants. Burning the plants also help reduce dead plant litter, which can adversely affect soil temperature.

How Prescription Burns Are Carried Out

Prescription burns are not scheduled in advance because they rely on daily weather, wind and humidity conditions to be conducted safely and successfully. Residents who live near prescription burn sites get notified with notices in their mailboxes and signs are posted in the area on the day of a burn.

Crews with special training stay at the site of the burn until the fire goes out. Residents are advised that if they do not see signage and crews that they may be experiencing a wildfire and should call 911.

More About Prescription Burns

In a statement, Erik Neidy, Forest Preserve District Director of Natural Resources said, "Fire is an important tool in our restoration toolbox. Prescription burns help us control invasive, exotic plants so desirable native species with deep root systems can thrive.”