Montgomery County Prescribed Burn Association

Welcome to the Montgomery County Prescribed Burn Association

The Montgomery County Prescribed Burn Association (MCPBA), based in Hillsboro, Illinois, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping private landowners use prescribed fire safely, effectively, and confidently on their own property. Our members work together to plan, prepare, and conduct burns that restore native habitat, reduce invasive species, and improve the long‑term health of the land.

As a community‑driven association, we provide hands‑on assistance to member landowners throughout Montgomery County. This includes developing burn plans, assembling trained volunteer crews, coordinating equipment, and supporting safe operations from ignition to mop‑up. By working cooperatively, we make prescribed fire accessible to landowners who may not have the resources or experience to conduct burns on their own.

Education is central to our mission. We work to increase public understanding of prescribed fire—what it is, why it’s used, and how it benefits prairies, woodlands, and working lands across Illinois. Through workshops, outreach events, and real‑world burn opportunities, we promote prescribed fire as a proven, science‑based land management tool.

Why Prescribed Fire Matters

Prescribed burning offers a wide range of ecological and practical benefits, including:

• Restoring native ecosystems by stimulating prairie grasses and forbs

• Reducing invasive and woody encroachment that threaten habitat quality

• Improving wildlife habitat for pollinators, upland birds, and other species

• Lowering fuel loads to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires

• Supporting long‑term stewardship of private and working lands

For generations, fire has shaped the landscapes of Illinois. Today, prescribed fire remains one of the most effective tools available to landowners who want to improve the health and resilience of their property.

We’re glad you’re here. Whether you’re a landowner, a conservation partner, or someone who simply wants to learn more about prescribed fire, we invite you to explore our site, connect with our community, and join us in supporting healthy, fire‑adapted landscapes across Montgomery County.