Drought Spurs Emergency Burn Ban In Mclean County, Ill.

Hot, dry conditions have prompted officials in central Illinois to issue a ban on all outdoor fires in McLean County.

The McLean County Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday announced a temporary outdoor burning ban on an “emergency basis” until further notice.

Director Curtis Hawk says high temperatures and a lack of rain have led to conditions that can lead to “rapid fire development.” Hawk says there have been several large grass fires in the area in recent weeks.

The (Bloomington) Pantagraph reported that residents also are being asked to be careful about other possible ignition sources, including discarded cigarettes and dragging trailer chains, which can throw off sparks.