• Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

    Indiana Dunes

    National Lakeshore Indiana

Wildland Fire

wildland urban interface wildfire

Wildland fire on Countyline Road

The frequency of wildland fires occurring within the national lakeshore has historically been very high. There is little doubt that wildland fire has played a major role in shaping the natural landscape of the park. There are an average of 20 to 30 wildland fires in the park each year.
 

In and around the Lakeshore’s 15,000 plus acres there are 13 local fire departments, and a state park. Fire Management staff at the lakeshore work in close cooperation with these departments on most wildfires.
Within the boundaries of the park there are several residential communities that are considered part of the wildland urban interface. Since they all border on park property they are considered at possible risk from wildland fire.

 
Firefighters in front of  map discussing tactics on a wildfire
Wildland fire briefing
 

Did You Know?

several plants with lush green growth with very noticable light purple flowers on them

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore has more than 1,135 native plant species distributed over six plant communities. Among all the national parks in the United States, it ranks seventh in plant diversity. This is an amazing feat for 15,000+ acres.