Red Flag Warning Extended For Northern Illinois, Indiana

CHICAGO — The National Weather Service in Chicago Tuesday extended a wildfire warning due to weather conditions in Northern Illinois. Southwesterly winds of 15 to 20 mph with gusts of up to 30 mph are predicted through the afternoon and evening. Exceptionally dry fuels, combined with low relative humidity — around 25 percent, promote the "extremely dangerous behavior of any fires," according to NWS Chicago.

Any burning of outdoor fires is strongly discouraged Tuesday from about noon until 7 p.m. Areas affected by the warning include the counties of Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, DeKalb, LaSalle, Boone, Ogle, Lee, Grundy, Champaign, Vermillion and Livingston.

Red Flag Warnings have also been issued for all of northern Indiana, southern Michigan and northwestern Ohio.

The National Weather Service recommends exercising extreme care with open flames and disposing of smoking materials, or any other activities that could lead to a wildfire. Camping, outdoor grills, chainsaws and ATVs can all spark a destructive fire.

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