22 Mar McDonough County Issues Countywide Burn Ban Due to Elevated Fire Risk
MACOMB, IL — Due to ongoing dry conditions, elevated fire danger, and forecasted hot and
dry weather patterns conducive to rapid fire spread, McDonough County officials have issued a
countywide burn ban effective Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 7:00 AM, and continuing until further
notice.
The decision was made in coordination with the McDonough County Emergency Services and
Disaster Agency (ESDA), the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office, the Macomb Fire Department,
and local volunteer fire departments throughout the county.
These conditions significantly increase the risk of uncontrolled fires that could threaten lives,
property, agricultural operations, and critical infrastructure.
Under this burn ban, the following activities are prohibited:
• Open burning of brush, leaves, or yard waste
• Agricultural burning
• Recreational campfires and bonfires
• Burning in burn barrels
• Any outdoor fire not fully enclosed and controlled
Allowed Activities (With Caution)
The use of:
• Propane grills
• Commercially manufactured charcoal grills
is permitted, however:
• Fires must be attended to at all times
• Extreme caution is strongly advised
• Proper extinguishing methods must be readily available
The majority of fire protection in McDonough County is provided by volunteer fire departments.
When preventable fires occur, these incidents place an additional burden on volunteers who
must leave their families and workplaces to respond.
Unnecessary or careless burning creates avoidable emergencies that:
• Disrupt volunteers’ primary employment
• Increase risk to responding personnel
• Divert critical resources from other emergencies
These fires are largely preventable, and community cooperation is essential to reducing risk.
Violations of the burn ban may result in:
• Fines as established by county ordinance
• Liability for fire suppression costs
• Additional penalties as allowed by law
Fire departments will conduct fire origin and cause investigations, and the McDonough County
Sheriff’s Office will enforce the provisions of this ban.
The burn ban will remain in effect until environmental conditions improve and it is determined
safe to lift the restriction.
County officials will continue to monitor weather patterns and fire risk indicators.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and monitor updates through:
• McDonough Alert, County Alert System
• Local media outlets
• www.mcesda.com