Section 4000.435  Fire Control

a)         Wildfires – All wildfires shall be brought under control as quickly as possible, extinguishing burning materials to prevent potential reignition.  Any dead standing trees or fire killed trees which pose a safety hazard may be removed pursuant to Section 4000.475.  After a fire within a nature preserve, there shall be no cleanup, fire hazard reduction, or replanting except with the approval of the Commission.  Approval will be based upon health and safety considerations or need for restoration.

b)         Prescribed burning – Prescribed burning may be conducted with the prior approval of the landowner and as part of a master plan or management schedule.  The responsible person must also obtain, in advance of conducting prescribed burning, any other required local, county, State, or federal permits. A written plan shall be prepared for each prescribed burn on a standardized form.  Burning shall not be done under conditions more hazardous than specified in the prescribed burn plan.  Fire crew members shall be adequately trained and capable of fire control.  Use of equipment and vehicles shall be specified in the prescribed burn plan; no equipment or vehicles that would cause damage or alteration to the natural features of the preserve shall be used.

(Source:  Added at 18 Ill. Reg. 2290, effective January 31, 1994)