DES MOINES, Iowa — "We're in the thick of prescribed fire season," Des Moines Parks Manager Mike Gaul told Local 5.
Gaul has been with the city of Des Moines since 1999. He's seen his fair share of prescribed fires and knows Wednesday and Thursday aren't good days for them.
"We will not be burning tomorrow either," Gaul said.
But once crews can get back in the parks, there's plenty of benefit to the burns.
"A lot of our park areas that we've integrated natural areas in include native species that have evolved with fire. Many of the species require fire for some germination and prolific growth. We use it as a management tool to maintain these natural areas," Gaul said.
The benefit is pretty similar for both farmers and other folks living in areas like prairies.
"The main aspect for that is what fire does in natural areas is it is it does limit the growth of cool season and non native species," Gaul said.
To give a different kind of comparison, it essentially keeps the parasites out of your house; grassland or farmland style.
"Anytime we prescribe fire, it's for a purpose," Gaul said. "It's to make that natural area better. Natural areas have a lot of benefits; environmental, storm water, and water retention."