I guess I was wrong- it was an independent contractor, not the fire department doing the actual burning. The firemen were just there for moral support.
Thus quoth the university:
"To All Concerned: [ed. note: how many people are actually concerned I wonder?]
A contractor will be burning the prairie grasses surrounding the
lagoon beginning at 1:00 p.m. today, April 17, 2002. This is an
annual maintenance procedure administered by Facilities
Management. While this procedure will produce some smoke,
there is no need for concern. The contractor and Evanston Fire
Department are aware of this burn and will be monitoring it closely.
Thank you for your cooperation."
Its a good thing that the contractor is aware of the burn... since they are the ones doing the burning.
4:59 PM
