Dry, Windy Conditions Could Spark Brush Fires, Authorities Warn
Brush Fire Breaks Out In Southwest Suburbs
(CBS/AP) – Dry, windy weather pushed the National Weather Service on Monday to warn of high risk of fire in brush and farm fields across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana.
Firefighters in Will County were trying to put out a blaze spreading through cornfields by high winds. The fire reportedly was burning Monday afternoon about five miles south of Manhattan and was near several homes. The area is about 10 miles southeast of Joliet.
Little rain has fallen in Illinois the past few weeks and parts of the state are considered abnormally dry.
Winds were blowing southwest 20 to 25 mph, with wind gusts up to 35 mph, the NWS said.
The "fire weather warning" remained in place until 7 p.m. CST.
Forecasters said higher humidity and weaker winds should ease fire danger starting Tuesday.
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