Edited release
02/18/26
The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Eastern Iowa and Northwest Illinois for today due to a very high risk of rapid fire spread. Strong west winds gusting to up to 40 miles per hour, combined with dry conditions and low humiditiy could cause any grass or brush fire to quickly become uncontrollable.
The greatest risk runs between 10am and 6pm. Residents are urged to avoid burning and follow local burn bans.
Additionally, the Weather Service reminds residents to properly dispose of cigarettes, keep vehicles off dry grass, avoid open flames and spark-producing activities, avoid using power equipment that can create sparks, evacuate if fire or smoke approaches, and evacuate immediately if ordered by officials.
At 4:45am, The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Johnson County urging residents to avoid all open burning today.