City of Des Moines, IA

09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 15:07

Prescribed Burning in Park and Open Space Areas

Press Release



Des Moines, Iowa- Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Des Moines Parks and Recreation have identified the following park locations for possible prescribed burns from October 2024 - May 2025.

  • MacRae Park - 1021 Davis Ave
  • Ewing Park - 5300 Indianola Rd
  • Pioneer Park - 1602 Pioneer Rd
  • Grandview Park - 3230 Easton Blvd
  • Greenwood/Ashworth Park - 4500 Grand Ave
  • Grays Lake Park - 2100 Fleur Drive
  • Greater Des Moines Softball Park - 4980 NE 46th St
  • Union Park - 725 Thompson Ave
  • Glendale Cemetery - 4909 University Ave
  • Four Mile Creek Open Space - E 35th St. and E. Sheridan Ave
  • Sargent Park - 3530 E. Douglas Ave
  • McHenry Park - 1012 Oak Park Ave
  • Walnut Creek Trail - 1976 Center St
  • Laurel Hill Cemetery - 3601 Court Ave
  • Municipal Service Center - 1551 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
  • Municipal Service Center II - 1700 Maury St
  • Ashby Park - 3200 38th St
  • Franklin Avenue Library - 5000 Franklin Ave
  • Cownie Baseball - 2006 SE 22nd St
  • Cownie Soccer - 2600 Hartford Ave
  • Elm Grove Cemetery - 6501 Indianola Ave
  • Witmer Park - 1610 34th St
  • Prospect Park - 1300 Prospect Rd
  • Woodlawn Park - 3126 Twana Dr
  • 37th and Arapahoe

Daily burn locations will be determined based on weather and wind conditions. We will post notifications of large scale burns on Parks and Recreation social media channels.

What is a prescribed burn?
Prescribed burning is a controlled application of fire used as a natural management tool in the parks. Weather conditions such as precipitation and wind direction will determine which day and which location the burns will take place. Parks and Recreation staff asks the public to stay away from the parks during the burns. Staff would also like to assure the public that there is no reason to be alarmed when they see or smell smoke in the park burn area.

Why do a prescribed burn?
In nature, fire is essential to maintain the integrity of the native prairie and woodland plant species located in our parks. Fire is a natural occurrence that helps the plant and animal communities in a park and controlled burning offers a safer way to use fire in a helpful manner. The benefits of prescribed burns include:

  • Aid in reducing the undesirable plants from invading our prairie and woodlands
  • Help maintain a rich diversity of wildflowers and grasses
  • Encourage oak and other native trees to naturally regenerate in our woodlands
  • Decrease threat of a wildfire by decreasing the accumulation of combustibles
  • Benefit water quality by aiding in the establishment of deep-rooted natives
  • Improve the natural beauty and enjoyment of our parks

Who conducts the burn?
Experienced park staff conducts the prescribed burns. The parks burn crew has been certified in accordance with a nationally standardized testing program for professionals participating in wild-land burns. Park staff members have studied fire behavior and fire control techniques to ensure the safety of the burn crew, residents and private property.