Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is planning prescribed fire operations in November pending all required approvals.

Work will continue through November 2025 as weather conditions allow. They use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Prescribed fires planned for the area include:

• Midewin East Side bounded by Route 53 on the east, Interstate 55 on the west, North River Road to the south, and Townline Road/Center Point intermodal center to the north.

Those areas may be closed to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app.

When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the prairie website and social media channels. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.

For more information contact Chris Lundgren at 815-423-2139 or [email protected].