The National Park
Service (NPS) is planning to burn debris piles at Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore’s Mnoke Prairie over the next two weeks, NPS said today.
The debris is
comprised of trees and brush removed during the restoration of the prairie
ecosystem. “Controlled burning of the debris piles in the winter months
reduces the amount of hazardous fuels on the ground and lowers the chance of
a large, uncontrollable wildfire in the dry spring months,” NPS said.
Approximately 20
piles in a three-acre area will be burned. “Burning of the piles will only
occur during the day and by trained wildland fire staff,” NPS noted. “Smoke
should be minimal in the area, but may be seen from U.S. Highways 20 and 12
and I-94.”
“The prescribed
fire program at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is conducted by trained and
experienced National Park Service fire personnel,” NPS added. “Smoke
dispersal is a primary concern and park staff will do everything possible to
limit smoke in the area by monitoring wind and atmospheric conditions prior
to ignitions. However, smoke drifting in and around park lands and roadways
is possible. Weather conditions will be monitored throughout the duration of
the burn to ensure the fire is completed safely.”
Porter County
residents can sign up to receive prescribed fire notifications through
Porter County’s “Alert Porter County” system. As part of the program,
residents can receive a text message, email, or voice message when
prescribed fires are happening at the National Lakeshore. Go
toÊwww.smart911.com for this free service.