ROCHELLE – According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, fire risk is high across the state. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows 100% of Illinois in drought or abnormally dry conditions, with severe drought expanding. The state fire marshal advises residents to avoid outdoor burning, dispose of cigarettes safely and keep vehicles off dry grass.
Polo Fire Chief Jim Ports said that field fires are a real risk for farmers and combines.
“Just be safe and clean off your machinery every night. Clean the residue off of it because that’ll help prevent a lot of fires and fields because it is very dry out right now.”