Full Notification

The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity, which is in effect from noon today to 7 PM CDT this evening.

* AFFECTED AREA...In Illinois, Fire Weather Zones 044, 045, 046, 054, 055, 056, 057, 061, 062, 063, 066, 067, 068, 071, 072 and 073.

* 20 FOOT WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 21 percent.

* 10 HOUR FUELS...Less than 8 percent.

* IMPACTS...These conditions are conducive for the rapid spread and growth of uncontrolled wildfires.

* AFFECTED AREAS: PIATT ... CHAMPAIGN ... VERMILION ... MOULTRIE ... DOUGLAS ... COLES ... EDGAR ... SHELBY ... CUMBERLAND ... CLARK ... EFFINGHAM ... JASPER ... CRAWFORD ... CLAY ... RICHLAND ... LAWRENCE

Instructions:

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. People are discouraged from outdoor burning. If cooking outdoors, keep a careful watch on the grill. Burning embers can blow around and easily catch grass on fire. Improperly discarded cigarettes can also start fires which will spread quickly. Additionally, field fires may develop more easily as active harvesting combines strike through dry vegetation.