'Near Critical' Fire Danger Across Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — The National Weather Service has elevated most of the Chicago area to a "near critical fire danger" on Tuesday. Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois, Ford, Cook and Will counties are all in the risk area.

The weather service said the elevated risk is due to the combination of a very dry air mass as well as breezy conditions. Southwest winds will increase later Tuesday morning and will peak early Tuesday afternoon.

The highest risk area is along and southeast of Interstate 55, although most of the area is still under a heightened threat. According to the weather service, the threat will drop Tuesday evening when winds ease.

The weather service advises you to be careful with open flames and the disposal of smoking materials; you should also consider postponing any planned burning.