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NWS warns of elevated fire risk

Friday, February 27, 2026 at 12:37 PM

By Steve Anderson

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning Lawrence County and other southeastern Illinois residents that there are elevated conditions for wildfire growth and spread across the region.

Low relative humidity values of around 20 to 30% and light winds continuing from the southwest have combined with very dry conditions to create the potential for fast growth and spread for any fires started outdoors that are unsupervised.

Extra caution should be exercised in avoiding any actions that could lead to an out-of-control fire.