BELLEVILLE - The National Weather Service has declared an elevated fire danger for a large portion of St. Clair County on Wednesday afternoon, April 8, 2026, citing gusty south winds and low relative humidity that could contribute to erratic fire behavior, according to the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency.

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The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency urged residents to “avoid outdoor burning" under these circumstances.

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“The combination of gusty south winds and low relative humidity will lead to elements of fire danger across parts of the area Wednesday afternoon,” the National Weather Service said.

The weather service said “erratic fire behavior is possible with any fire starts in grassy areas and in agricultural fields with dry crop debris.”

The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency also advised caution with potential ignition sources.

“Be careful with open flames, discarding cigarettes, and please leave any burning to professionals,” the agency said.

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