A heightened fire danger alert is in effect for Champaign county until 4 p.m. Saturday.
The National Weather Service issued the alert at 2:51 a.m. According to the alert, the combinatin 10 to 20 mph winds and low relative humidity may cause flames to get out of hand. The alert discourages open fires.
Other counties affected by the alert include Coles, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Piatt, Shelby and Vermillion
