Fire! Prescribed Burns Coming to Your Madison Neighborhood?

February 25, 2020 12:05 pm

It can be startling to see fire and smoke in your neighborhood, but sometimes, it’s a good thing!

Several alders have been blogging about the prescribed burns coming to their neighborhoods. Not all alders have done so, so if your alder hasn’t given you a heards up, here’s the full information.

WHAT ARE PRESCRIBED BURNS AND WHY DO THEY DO THEM?

This spring the City of Madison Parks and Engineering Divisions will conduct prescribed burns to promote establishment of native vegetation. Prescribed burns are the intentional use of fire, under specific environmental conditions, to manage and suppress invasive vegetation. Many of Wisconsin’s native species have adapted to survive or to benefit from fire events, while at the same time the presence of invasive or undesirable species is reduced. Prescribed burns are an important management tool for natural areas, especially for several of Wisconsin’s native plant communities.

Prescribed burns occur after comprehensive planning and under specific weather conditions which are conducive to a safe and manageable operation. Burns occur in the spring and may also be conducted in the fall of 2020, depending on conditions, analysis of existing vegetation, and management goals, and are permitted by the Fire Department.

If you received a postcard informing you of prescribed burns in your neighborhood, please consider registering your cellphone number to receive informational alerts from the Dane County Emergency Warning System. The “Reverse-911” automated phone calls that neighbors receive before a prescribed burn begins reaches all land lines, but only those cellphones that are registered.

To register, click on the following link and create a profile, where you can enter your address and phone number. Please note that Dane County uses phone, email and text, but not the smartphone app.

https://em.countyofdane.com/warning/telephone