#control burn

After The Burn And Alittle Rain...

Editor

The Lincoln Land Community College Facilities Service department used drip torches to lead a controlled burn of some of LLCC’s prairies yesterday, Nov. 21.

Drip torches contain a tank full of gasoline and diesel. They ignite the end of the torch to make a constant flame, which is put against the grasses.

Steven Handy, grounds maintenance supervisor at LLCC, said the prairie fires were meant to “control” dominating species and restore some plants in the grasses.

The fire occurred on the prairies on the north side of Menard Hall, west side of the Workforce Careers Centers and on both sides of the main entrance to Lincoln Land.

Handy said the day’s winds, which were 11 to 17 mph out of the southwest, were an advantage for the grounds crew.

The flames blew to the southwest, so the team stood behind the flames, he said.

He said the crew also stood in the “black area” of the prairies. This is an area that was already burnt by the fires and could not be relit

The day’s controlled burn was approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Ryan Wilson can be reached at [email protected] or 217-786-2311.