Prescribed burns planned in the Minneapolis park system this fall

This fall, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is conducting prescribed burns in several areas of the park system: See below for a list of parks and locations.
MPRB staff conduct prescribed burns in both spring and fall. The "burn prescription" outlines approved ranges for weather and environmental conditions on a specific day, including:
• wind speed and direction
• humidity levels and cloud cover
• temperature
Prescribed burns cannot occur during air quality alerts or burning restrictions issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or Department of Natural Resources.
During a prescribed burn, MPRB staff trained in prescribed fire operations are on site, with fire control equipment necessary for safety.
People in or near the area may smell or see smoke or flames. Depending on the location, segments of pedestrian/bike paths or parkways may close temporarily during active fire operations. 
People who live or work in a building within 500 feet of a planned prescribed-burn area should receive a postcard notification. They also have the option to receive timely email updates closer to the date when the burn takes place. 

Fall 2026 Prescribed Burn Locations

Southwest Minneapolis
Cedar Lake Park
• Prairie immediately north of Cedar Lake along Cedar Lake Regional Trail
South Minneapolis
Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park
• Nokomis Prairie, on the northeast side of Lake Nokomis immediately adjacent to E. Minnehaha Parkway
Minnehaha Regional Park
• Longfellow Prairie, adjacent to Minnehaha Creek and directly southwest of Longfellow Garden
• East side of “Deer Pen,” west of Wabun Picnic Area and directly south and west of 46th Ave. S.
North Minneapolis
Shingle Creek Park
• Prairie north of 52nd Ave. N. along Shingle Creek Regional Trail
North Mississippi Regional Park
• “Middle prairie” directly south of Kroening Nature Center and east of I-94
Theodore Wirth Regional Park
• Multiple prairie and savanna / woodland areas south of Regency Hospital and west of the Trailhead facility (aka the “Back 40")
• Multiple woodland areas near the Quaking Bog and Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
• JD Rivers' Prairie, immediately north of the intersection of Glenwood Ave. and Vincent Ave. N.