CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Wildfires in the Chicago area? It’s more possible than you think.
California residents have spent weeks dealing with runaway blazes. Conditions are actually ripe in the Chicago area, weather authorities say.
National Weather Service meteorologist Kevin Donofrio tells WBBM Newsradio a combination of dry and windy conditions and leaves on the ground increases the risks that sparks could start a wildfire.
“If you notice the last couple of weeks it’s been relatively dry. We’ve had just a few bouts of rain,” Donofrio said Wednesday.
A “Red Flag” warning is in effect for Cook, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle and Will counties, as well as Northwest Indiana.
Donofrio says people should avoid start outdoor fires that could generate embers and discarding lit cigarettes. Cooler temperatures should help mitigate some of the danger, he said.