Forest Preserve adds controlled burn alerts through Smart911

The Forest Preserve District will start using Will County’s Smart911 system this fall to provide controlled burn notifications.

Those interested in receiving the notifications should create a Smart911 account on the Will County alerts page.

Once an account is created, opt in to the Forest Preserve’s controlled burn alerts to receive notifications of burns happening near your location.

In the alerts list, scroll to the bottom until you see “Will County Forest Preserve Controlled Burn Alerts.” Opt in to receive notifications by text message, voice call and/or email.

“Controlled burns, also referred to as prescribed burns, are an important tool for maintaining healthy natural areas, and we want residents to know when one may be taking place in their area,” said Juli Mason, the Forest Preserve’s director of conservation programs. “Signing up for these alerts is a simple way to stay informed and to take any appropriate precautions if smoke could affect someone with health concerns.”

The Forest Preserve conducts controlled burns in the spring and fall. In 2025, Forest Preserve staff conducted controlled burns on more than 2,800 acres.

“Controlled burns play a vital role in restoring and maintaining our prairies, wetlands and woodlands,” Mason explained. “We encourage residents to sign up for the new alert system so they can receive timely notifications about controlled burns near their homes, workplaces or preserves that they visit.”

Prior to a burn, the Forest Preserve takes precautions to minimize smoke impacts, including monitoring weather conditions that influence smoke dispersal, adjusting ignition strategies and selecting appropriate burn sites based on conditions that day.

Before a burn, variables affecting fire behavior are carefully studied. Forest Preserve ecologists and fire control crews monitor wind conditions, humidity, temperature and the amount of moisture in plant material. Fire control crews are trained to meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards.