CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — As dry conditions continue across Central Illinois, fire departments and emergency management agencies alike are issuing burn bans and advising against open burning.

The Coles County Emergency Management Agency issued a county-wide burn ban, which took effect at midnight on Friday. This ban includes any open burning, including landscape waste, agricultural waste, household trash, and garbage. Resident are also not allowed to use any type of consumer fireworks. Anyone caught in violation of the burn ban could be subjected to a $100 fine.

The Coles County EMA said small campfires that are monitored in contained fire pits are allowed. The burn ban is in effect until further notice.

In DeWitt County, the Clinton Fire Department is also issuing a burn ban. The burn ban, which went into effect on Sunday, will last until “further notice” because of the dry conditions, wind, and high temperatures.

“Please do not burn. If you see someone with an open fire please call 911. Even a very small fire can get out of control in a matter of minutes,” the fire department wrote in a post on Facebook.

In Champaign County, residents may not be under a burn ban, but the Champaign County Fire Chief’s Association is discouraging resident from burning anything at this time. The association said a combination of the current weather conditions and ongoing drought are increasing the risk of fire hazards.

“The safety of our communities and residents is our highest priority, and we ask for your
cooperation in reducing fire risks during this critical period,” the association said in a statement.