I just got off the phone with Adams County Emergency Management Director John Simon regarding a very serious situation developing in the area.The dryness of the area and the concern for potential fires with the many cookouts planned this weekend through the Fourth of July and then the fireworks people will be using during the holiday.  Simon informed me that there is now a "No Burn Advisory" in effect for Adams County outside the City of Quincy. City dwellers should take heed as well. Highlighted below is the actual news release sent out to the media this morning.

The Adams County Emergency Management Agency has issued a no burn advisory for all areas of Adams County outside the City of Quincy until further notice.Record high temperatures, low humidity levels and drought conditions have created extremely dry and potentially dangerous conditions when combined with sustained winds of 10 – 15mph. The National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration and the USDA have classified more than 50% of Adams County to be severe drought conditions.Fire Chiefs have been and continue to monitor conditions, but are concerned that record temperatures will present safety concerns for firefighters if called to battle out of control grass, brush, or trash fires. Controlling brush and grass fires requires many firefighters to control the flames. The strenuous work, hot and heavy protective gear combined with record temperatures can dehydrate or over-heat firefighters rapidly. Departments are taking extra precautions during this high heat to ensure safety, but the best protection is to avoid the circumstance.The public is asked to be extremely cautious using matches, cigarettes, torches, or other open flame devices that can start an un-wanted fire. Fires can become out of control very rapidly potentially threatening nearby structures. If a fire becomes out of control, call 9-1-1 immediately. Consult with your local fire department before conducting any open burning or recreational fires. The public is asked to call 9-1-1 to report un-attended or un-controlled fires burning outside the City of Quincy.The public is reminded that lighting most fireworks in Illinois are prohibited, and usage of permitted or illegal fireworks can be the source of un-detected fires.Rural fire departments have responded to 4 brush and 9 grass fires since June 1st. This elevated risk of fire danger will likely extend through the weekend and into the holiday week as dry conditions and record heat is forecasted to continue.

What we are talking about is common sense, but unfortunately people sometimes don't have that when they need it. Please be careful during this heat wave. We don't need any more heat generated by a fire. A fire that wouldn't take long to get out of control.


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