Braidwood, Illinois – Recent prescribed burns at Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Preserve have raised concerns among residents.
On December 14, the Will County Forest Preserve District conducted a controlled burn essential for ecological management, leading to a temporary haze in the area. The Braidwood Police assured the community, emphasizing no emergency was present and expecting clear skies soon. These burns mimic natural fires, crucial for controlling invasive species and promoting native flora. Residents experiencing the smoke were advised to take safety measures like closing windows.
The Forest Preserve District routinely conducts such burns across the county, echoing a practice dating back to Native Americans and early settlers. For further information on the benefits and safety of prescribed burns, the WCFPD encourages visiting their website.