Controlled burns may be conducted in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve and on the Argonne site from time to time. Those who may be sensitive to smoke can sign up for e-mail air quality notifications when burns are conducted.

These fires are intentionally set to promote the health of native plants, eliminate unwanted exotic plants and reduce the probability of wildfires.

Prescribed fires are conducted only on days that meet certain weather criteria. The majority of the burns will be conducted under wind conditions that keep smoke away from occupied portions of the Argonne site.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will notify the laboratory when it plans to conduct controlled burns, usually by 8:30 a.m. the day of the burn. It is not possible to get earlier notification from the forest preserve district.