Peoria, IL – Warm, dry, and windy weather is creating an elevated risk of grass and brush fires across central and eastern Illinois Friday afternoon, prompting a special weather statement from the National Weather Service.
According to the NWS offices in Lincoln and Chicago/Romeoville, strong south to southwest winds gusting between 30 to 40 mph, paired with minimum relative humidity values between 25 to 30 percent, are increasing the likelihood of fires spreading quickly across dry vegetation and fields. The fire risk is in effect through 6 p.m. Friday.
The advisory covers a wide region including Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, Decatur, Kankakee, and stretches into eastern counties near the Indiana border such as Iroquois and Ford. Despite recent precipitation in some areas, quick-drying grasses, leaves, and twigs are now susceptible to ignition.
Officials urge residents to avoid all outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes and matches, and monitor farm or construction equipment that could produce sparks. Open burning, even if legal in some rural areas, is highly discouraged under current conditions.
Residents should remain cautious until winds weaken and humidity levels increase later this evening. No Red Flag Warning has been issued, but conditions remain dangerous enough to warrant heightened awareness.
