GODFREY – The Village of Godfrey on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, announced a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning for the area and urged residents not to burn as forecasters cited critical fire danger from low humidity, gusty southwesterly winds, and dry fuels.
“For everyone’s situational awareness, the NWS has issued a ‘Red Flag Warning’ (Burn Ban) for our area today (Friday, 2/27/26) in effect from noon to 6 p.m. due to Critical Fire Danger from low humidity, gusty southwesterly winds, and dry fuels supporting dangerous fire spread,” the Village of Godfrey said on Friday.
As of the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 27, there have been multiple scanner calls for fire departments to battle brush or grass fires.
Temperatures were predicted to rise into the 70s across the region, with strengthening southwesterly winds ahead of a strong cold front, according to the village. Godfrey said burning is particularly discouraged in the red flag warning area.
The National Weather Service elevated the warning to critical fire danger on Friday, citing the expected combination of low humidity, gusty southwesterly winds, and dry vegetation.
The NWS said outdoor burning is strongly discouraged on Friday and over the weekend of February 28-March 1, 2026.
“Fires could easily get out of control,” the NWS said. “Burn on a different day and please do not discard lit cigarettes outdoors.”
Fire services around the region have responded to several field blazes recently, and those have been noted across the area.
