Fire chiefs across McLean County have lifted the burn ban, effective Friday.
The county's Emergency Management Agency [EMA] said the chance of field fires is reduced as most farm fields have been harvested and some are tilled.
Most of the county remains in a severe drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Much of neighboring Piatt and Champaign counties are in extreme drought.
“There is still a risk of any fire spreading quickly, especially in high winds,” EMA said in a statement.
The county restricted outdoor burning starting Sept. 18 after an extended period of no rainfall.
Some recreational fires were allowed the following week in Bloomington, Normal, at Comlara Park and in the Mount Hope-Funks Grove Fire Protection District.
The Mt. Hope-Funks Grove Fire Protection District banned open burning for a week starting Oct. 16.
The National Weather Service indicates the possibility of rain in the Bloomington-Normal each day from Saturday through next Wednesday, with the greatest likelihood of precipitation on Monday night.
