Northern Indiana – Fire danger will be elevated across northern Indiana and northwest Ohio today as dry air, gusty winds, and drought-stressed vegetation create conditions favorable for rapid fire spread. The National Weather Service warns that Sunday afternoon will bring the highest risk, especially for counties that missed out on recent rain and snowfall.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, northwest wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph, combined with relative humidity as low as 20–25% south of U.S. 30 and west of I-69, will increase the likelihood that fires could ignite and spread quickly. Humidity values elsewhere across the region will fall into the 20–40% range, still dry enough to worsen existing conditions.
Forecasters also note extreme drought across northwest Ohio and parts of north-central Indiana, leaving grasses, brush, and leaf litter extremely dry and easily susceptible to ignition. Areas that saw limited precipitation during the last storm system face the highest threat.
The elevated fire danger includes communities such as Fort Wayne, Elkhart, Goshen, Angola, Plymouth, Warsaw, Rochester, Logansport, Huntington, Bluffton, Marion, Peru, Wabash, Lima, Defiance, Napoleon, Paulding, Van Wert, and surrounding counties.
According to the NWS, winds will increase late this morning and continue through the afternoon, aligning with the period of lowest humidity. Even small sparks—from burn piles, equipment, or discarded smoking materials—could ignite fires that spread faster than expected.
Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning, use caution with machinery, and ensure any heat sources or embers are fully extinguished.
