Braidwood, IL – A prescribed burn is underway Tuesday at the Braidwood Dunes and Savanna Preserve, with smoke expected to linger in the area until at least 6 p.m.
According to the Will County Forest Preserve District, the controlled burn began at 9 a.m. on March 25, 2025, and is taking place north of West Smiley Road and east of Comet Drive. Officials advise nearby residents to close windows and take precautions, as the smell and presence of smoke may continue for several hours after the fire ends.
Local police and fire departments, along with 911 dispatch centers, have been notified. Reverse 911 calls were sent to residents within a half-mile radius of the preserve, though cell phone alerts are only issued to those registered with the Will County Emergency Management Agency’s notification system.
The burn is part of the district’s routine ecological management, which helps suppress invasive species and promote native plant growth. Historically, such burns mimic natural fire cycles once used by Indigenous communities and early settlers to maintain healthy landscapes.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the district at 815-727-8700. More information is available at www.reconnectwithnature.org.
