Controlled Burns Set For Wolfe Wildlife, Chicago Ridge Prairie

OAK LAWN, IL -- Controlled burns are now underway at Wolfe Wildlife Refuge at 107th Street and Long Avenue in Oak Lawn. The burn began Saturday, Dec. 21, and will wrap up on Sunday, Dec. 22.

A second controlled burn is also scheduled for Monday, Dec. 23, at Chicago Ridge Prairie Nature Preserve at 105th Street and Menard Avenue, Chicago Ridge, weather permitting. The natural area burns are being conducted by the Oak Lawn Park District, and are designed to enhance the quality of the existing native plant communities, control invasive species and remediate wildlife habitat.

Controlled burns can take one to two days to complete. These burns are conducted in accordance with county and state laws and permits. Prescribed burns may produce abundant amounts of local smoke for short periods of time.

So, if you see someone freaking out on social media that Wolfe Wildlife and Chicago Ridge Prairie are on fire, it’s all under control.