National Park Service to Burn Debris Piles this Winter

Date: January 8, 2016

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE: The National Park Service is planning to burn debris piles at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Mnoke’ Prairie over the next two weeks. The debris is made up of trees and brush removed during 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.

Approximately 20 piles in a three-acre area are to be burned. Burning of the piles will only occur during the day and by trained wildland fire staff. Smoke should be minimal in the area, but may be seen from US 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. 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 to www.smart911.com for this free service. The national lakeshore also announces prescribed fire activity on its Facebook page at www.facebok.com/IndianaDunesNL

For more information on wildland fire at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore go to: https://go.nps.gov/INDUfire.