A burning ban is in effect for the City of Danville and will remain in effect through 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The Danville Fire Department announced the temporary ban at midday on Monday.
The burn ban does not apply to charcoal or gas grills used for cooking, although extra safety precautions should be taken.
Strong gusty winds of 30-40 mph were expected to arrive Monday afternoon and persist through Wednesday.
Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency issued a statement on Monday advising the public that outdoor burning is discouraged during this period of warm, dry weather and high winds.
The agency stated that if cooking outdoors, keep a careful watch on the grill. Burning embers can blow around and easily catch grass on fire. Improperly discarded cigarettes can also start fires which will spread quickly.
The agency stated that warm temperatures, gusty south winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation will create conditions favorable for the rapid spread and growth of fire.