March 9, 2025 – During the week of March 10 to March 15, the City of Decatur is planning two potential prescribed burns. One property is prairie restoration located to the south of the Lake Decatur dam and west of US Rt. 51, and the other is woodland located west of Star Route Road and north of Reas Bridge Road.
City officials say the prescribed burns will be conducted on separated days by trained and experienced professionals. They are designed to decrease invasive plant species and to increase prairie diversity and forest health. The City adds that care will be taken to ensure safety and minimize smoke from blowing towards homes, roadways, or other smoke-sensitive areas. The city also reiterates that there are absolutely NO hazardous materials at these site and citizens should not be concerned.
The properties are owned by the City of Decatur, and the burns comply with City Code Chapter 48 concerning native plantings and burning by City officials. They also comply with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency as detailed in the Open Burning Permits issued to the City of Decatur. Local authorities and fire officials have been notified the burns will be taking place.
The burn days are dependent on favorable weather conditions. The city will send communication again when the know the exact dates and times.
