OGDEN, IL (Chambana Today) – A major field fire near Ogden has impacted traffic on I-74 near the border of Champaign and Vermilion counties. Traffic is being diverted to I-74 eastbound at milepost 192 to US-150. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a “red flag warning” today from 1 – 7 p.m. due to the combination of wind and low humidity. The warning covers McLean, De Witt, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Douglas and Edgar counties. the NWS urges residents to avoid lighting any fires, as the weather conditions make them easy to spread.
The smoke has been reported as heavy, and accidents have also been reported as a result of the smoke and low visibility. Part of I-74 remains closed as several area fire agencies are on the scene.
A cause of the fire has not been released.