Portions of southern McLean County are once again under a burn ban.
In a statement, Mt. Hope-Funks Grove Fire Chief Eric Fulk said residents of both townships in southwest McLean County are prohibited from open burning beginning Thursday, Oct. 16. The ban extends through the evening of Oct. 23.
A countywide burn ban had been lifted for both townships late last month. Fulk said current weather conditions create an unreasonable risk of fire.
Recreational fires are currently permitted in Bloomington, Normal and Comlara Park. All other areas of the county remain under a burn ban through Oct. 3.
Bloomington and Normal have permanent restrictions on burning trash, yard and agricultural waste.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows McLean County as experiencing severe drought. Rainfall so far this year is more than 3 inches below normal.
