13-03-2025
Multiple Central IL fire departments issue burn bans ahead of weekend winds
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Fire departments across Central Illinois are issuing burn bans as dry conditions are about to be exacerbated by high winds this weekend.
All 21 fire departments located in Iroquois County, along with the county's board and board chairman, issued a ban that begins Friday. Under this ban, people are ordered to refrain from open burning of landscape, agricultural and household waste. Consumer fireworks are also prohibited from being shot off.
WEATHER NOW: Calm, Spring-like start to today, but severe storms arrive by late Friday
Fire departments can issue fines of $100 for anyone caught violating the burn ban. Fines will double for second violations.
'At the present time, conditions are expected to be very favorable for the outbreak of wildfires and other uncontrolled events. The dead and dry areas, common after the winter, are exposed and vulnerable,' said Iroquois County Board Chairman Paul Ducat. 'The Fire Chiefs in the county, with the authority granted by Illinois Statute, have recommended and approved this burn ban to prohibit any type of burning or the use of consumer-grade fireworks. This burn ban will remain in effect until the predicted high wind event has subsided, or significant rainfall over the area takes place. An official notice when the burn ban is lifted will be issued.'
Neighboring Ford County also issued a burn ban to begin at the same time. That ban will also remain in effect until further notice.
Weather conditions raise field fire concerns in Central IL
Several fire departments have issued burn bans that went into effect for Thursday, and they are already fighting fires that have gotten out of control. The Tolono Fire Protection District issued a burn ban Wednesday night and on Thursday, its firefighters responded to a house fire. The Mid-Piatt Fire Protection District said its crews saw several burns get out of hand and asked that burning be avoided until 5 p.m. on Saturday.
A grass fire in Macon County spread to five buildings on Thursday and the same day, what was once a controlled spread to 10 acres of land in Champaign.
The Clinton Fire Department issued a burn ban starting at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday and said their ban will be in effect until Saturday at 9 a.m.
'The extremely dry conditions and expected wind speeds through Friday night will make any type of fire unsafe and spread easily,' Clinton officials said. 'Also please be sure to dispose of smoking materials responsibly to help eliminate possible road side fires.'
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