Clinton County Central Dispatch has released information regarding outside burning today, March 14 as the department has experienced a high number of calls regarding grass fires throughout the month, and the risk of fires may increase this afternoon due to high wind speeds and lower humidity.
The department stated that it has dispatched a total of 17 grass fires since March 1, which includes 10 in the past three days throughout Clinton County.
Due to the dry conditions and elevated winds, the grass fires may spread rapidly and cause extreme damage to surrounding areas. The combination of south winds gusting to 30 to 40 miles per hour this afternoon along with dry fuels and low relative humidity may allow for an elevated fire risk, which has been further recognized by the National Weather Service.
Community members are encouraged to not carelessly discard cigarettes or matches and avoid open burning this afternoon and evening.
