By Andi Anderson
The warm weather in Central Illinois may be welcome, but it also brings fire hazards. The National Weather Service has issued a warning about the increased risk of field fires due to dry, windy conditions. Fire officials urge residents and farmers to be cautious when burning.
Recently, firefighters responded to two field fires in Illinois, with one spreading across five acres before being contained. Assistant Fire Chief Matt Shuey explained that unattended burns can quickly get out of control, especially when wind conditions change suddenly.
“The low humidity is a factor, but a bigger factor than that is the wind conditions,” said Shuey. He advised avoiding burns during strong winds and ensuring no flames, embers, or smoke are left behind.
Firefighters also highlight the importance of timing. Burning at night can be risky, as embers may remain active for hours. Shuey emphasized that people should never leave a fire unattended and should have water available to control flames.
For rural areas, where volunteer firefighters respond to emergencies, quick fire spread can be a major concern. Limited availability of responders at certain times of the day makes preventative action crucial.
Shuey recommended delaying burns until wind speeds decrease. If a fire becomes unmanageable, calling 911 immediately is the best course of action.
Additionally, with daylight savings time beginning, officials encourage checking smoke alarms to ensure they work properly. Fire alarms should be inspected twice a year to help detect fires early and protect homes and farmlands.
With dry, windy conditions persisting, fire officials stress caution to prevent potentially dangerous field fires from spreading uncontrollably in Central Illinois.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-grafvision
Categories: Illinois, Weather