FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Unseasonably warm and dry conditions, combined with gusty southwest winds, will elevate the risk of field and grass fires across northern Indiana, southwest Michigan, and northwest Ohio through Sunday afternoon. The dry setup coincides with active harvest season, increasing the chance of accidental ignition.
According to the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana, a Special Weather Statement remains in effect Sunday for a large portion of the region, including South Bend, Elkhart, Fort Wayne, Marion, Lima, and Defiance, as well as surrounding rural counties. Temperatures will climb into the upper 70s and low 80s, while relative humidity drops to 25–30% and winds gust up to 25 mph from the southwest.
These factors will make it easier for fires to start and spread rapidly, particularly in dry crop fields, grasslands, and roadside ditches. Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and use caution when operating farm or construction equipment near dry vegetation. Even small sparks could ignite fast-moving fires under today’s conditions.
Local fire departments advise keeping a water source or extinguisher nearby and ensuring any small fires or equipment-related sparks are fully contained. The fire risk will ease slightly tonight as winds weaken and humidity rises, but the region will stay dry into early week.
