Rules and Procedures for Burning Native Vegetation on Homeowner Property

Controlled burns for the ecological management of all natural areas in Prairie Crossing must be undertaken with the utmost care for the safety of surrounding landscapes and structures. The rules and procedures outlines below must be followed by homeowners who wish to conduct managed burns on their private property.

In order to burn native vegetation, the Prairie Crossing community is required to obtain a permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). The community's Environmental Consultant applies for this 'Open Burning Permit,' which is granted on the condition that IEPA regulations for managing controlled burns be followed, whether the burn is conducted by professionals or by individual homeowners.

The Village of Grayslake Fire Department also expects that managed burns be conducted with care, that it be given notice when burning is contemplated, and that there be an established channel of communication between it and the community. Our Environmental Consultant serves as our community's contact with the department.

• All homeowners planning to burn vegetation on their property must fill out this on-line form, to provide a written record of the planned burn.

• After filling out the form, homeowners must call the Environmental Consultant, currently Jim O'Connor at 847-219-8138. Alternatively, you may call Bill Pogson at 847-445-3232, or other designated agent.

• The Environmental Consultant is responsible for notifying the Grayslake Fire Department and its dispatcher.

• Any burn conducted by a homeowner on his or her property must be attended by at least three adults, one of whom must have participated in a HOA/LPC sponsored 'burn school.'

• Homeowners must confine burning to their own properties. Fires must not be permitted to migrate into any adjacent common areas or neighboring properties.

• The Board of the Homeowner's Association may impose substantial fines on homeowners who fail to follow these rules.

• In the event of damages or injuries, homeowners may face legal action and substantial monetary claims that may exceed any insurance coverage they may have in place.

• Additional information is available in the Prairie Crossing Environmental Handbook, p. 24, section 2.5.1: Burning of Private Prairies.

Homeowner Checklist

Homeowners planning to conduct a managed burn of native vegetation on their property are expected to complete the checklist items below to ensure that all aspects of a burn have been considered and preparations are in place.

You may view the current weather forecast on the National Weather Service site here.

NOTE: The Form is to be submitted on the day of the burn. Forms submitted prior to the day of the burn will have to be resubmitted on the day the burn will actually be performed. This form is reviewed by both the Prairie Crossing HOA and the Grayslake Fire Department. Please be accurate with your answers.