St. Louis, MO – The National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued a warning for erratic fire spread expected Wednesday across northeast Missouri and west-central Illinois, citing a combination of dry grasses, low humidity, and strong winds.
According to the National Weather Service, these conditions could lead to rapidly changing and unpredictable fire behavior if any outdoor fire starts. Officials are urging residents to avoid burning, including bonfires, brush piles, or any activity that might create sparks, such as parking vehicles on dry grass or using equipment that drags metal chains.
The elevated risk area includes parts of Hannibal, Quincy, and regions extending toward Springfield, Illinois. Forecasters say even small flames could spread quickly under Wednesday’s weather setup, with humidity levels expected to drop and wind speeds increasing through the afternoon.
“Leave burning to the professionals,” NWS St. Louis said in a public post. “Don’t intentionally start fires, and avoid activities that could cause sparks outside.”
Residents are also reminded to properly discard cigarettes, avoid parking over dry vegetation, and stay alert for local fire restrictions. Fire departments across the region are preparing for potential flare-ups and asking the public to report any signs of smoke immediately.
