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IDNR warns of increased fire potential

Unusually dry March a factor in hazardous conditions          Send a link to a friend

[APRIL 9, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- Fires at several Illinois Department of Natural Resources properties recently have officials warning of potentially problematic conditions. The Illinois Water Survey, a division of Department of Natural Resources, reports that March was the 16th-driest on record in Illinois. Dry conditions prevail at a time when natural debris has accumulated on the ground and before plants have begun the spring growth that makes them less vulnerable to catching fire.

"It is essential that anyone heading out to our parks and natural areas be conscientious in their use of flammable materials," said Joel Brunsvold, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "Conditions are such that a single spark can cause extensive damage."

Fires have occurred at Green River Wildlife Area, Sand Prairie Habitat Area, Volo Bog and at the Lake in the Hills Fen. The most extensive damage occurred at Green River Wildlife Area and nearby Sand Prairie Habitat Area, where 750 acres burned on March 29.

"We are fortunate that we have adhered to a prescribed burn plan in Illinois for the past two decades," said Tom Wilson, IDNR program manager for forest protection. "That means we have followed the ways of Mother Nature in burning prairie grasses. Our damages right now are much less than they might have been with these conditions if we didn't have a prescribed burn plan. When dead leaves, grasses and branches accumulate, they are like tinder to a stray spark. We've eliminated some of that debris naturally with controlled burns, which reduces our risk factors."

Wilson advises anyone planning to burn outdoors for any reason to be alert to weather conditions that can lead to a fire burning out of control. Wilson says fires should not be set if winds are blowing more than 15 mph or when humidity is below 40 percent. The risk is currently higher in northern Illinois.

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The causes of the recent fires on Department of Natural Resources properties vary. Investigators suspect an arsonist started the fires at Green River Wildlife Area and Sand Prairie Habitat Area. The Illinois Conservation Foundation is offering a reward of $500 for information leading to a conviction in those fires.

"ICF is dedicated to stewardship of Illinois Resources," said Jesse Hansen, director of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. "We hope that the person or people responsible can be caught swiftly and brought to justice."

Illinois Conservation Police are investigating the suspicious fires. Anyone with information about who is responsible for starting the fires should call (815) 625-2968.

"We have been fortunate up to this point that the fires have all been contained to public property," said Mike Conlin, INDR director of resource conservation. "We appreciate the hard work of firefighters on each of the locations, we appeal to the public for cooperation preventing fires, and hope for some good soaking rains in the next couple of weeks."

[Illinois Department of Natural Resources news release]

 

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