With temperatures reaching 60 degrees and higher today in the Kosciusko County area, the National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement warning of a heightened fire danger through the afternoon.

A dry air mass remains across the area causing humidity values to drop to 25 to 30 percent in some spots. Combined with southwest winds up to 25 mph, there is an increased risk that grass, brush and ditch fires could start and spread.

NWS advises that burning is not recommended throughout the afternoon.

Winds are expected to die down into the evening, reducing the risk of a wild fire spreading. Keep any controlled burn monitored, and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have something to extinguish the fire nearby.

Should a controlled burn spread or get out of control, quickly call the local fire department.