Fire threat increases with temperatures

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The drought is far from over, and with the dry conditions, the risk of fires has increased with each passing day.

"Dry, little rain and really hot," Kevin McCombs with the Wabash Fire Department said. "With those conditions, it's going to add to the fire developments if anything happens."

And while conditions are already the perfect mix for a fire threat, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees this week, the threat will continue to rise.

"It's just going to dry things out even more than what it is," McCombs said. "Right now, you can see a little bit of green, but when the temperatures are going to get up that high and no rain or moisture, it's just going to keep drying it out even more."

Fire officials said while the area remains locked in drought, it won't take much for fires to ignite.

"Semis can throw little sparks from their breaks and trains as well," McCombs said.

And as long as conditions stay this hot and dry, McCombs said they'll remind residents to play it safe.

"We're trying to ask people to not burn anything if they can and try to water your grass if you can," McCombs said.

The entire viewing area will be under a red flag warning starting Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

A red flag warning means the heat, strong winds and low humidity make conditions perfect for an increase in the fire threat.