DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Decatur has announced that it will conduct two prescribed burns next week on two city-owned properties.

The burns will take place on prairie restoration near the Lake Decatur Dam and U.S. Route 51 and on woodland near Star Route Road and Reas Bridge Road. City officials did not give exact dates, as they are waiting for favorable weather conditions, but they did say the burns will happen on separate dates.

“They are designed to decrease invasive plant species and to increase prairie diversity and forest health,” city Communications Coordinator Ryan Huffer said in a news release. “Care will be taken to ensure safety and minimize smoke from blowing towards homes, roadways, or other smoke-sensitive areas. There are absolutely no hazardous materials at these sites and citizens should not be concerned.”

Huffer further explained that the burns comply with a chapter in the city code concerning native plantings and burnings by city officials. They also comply with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Local authorities and fire officials have been notified that the burns will be taking place. The city will publish the dates of the burns once they know when weather conditions will be favorable.