BREAKING: High winds, field fire close I-74

By IPM News
October 29, 2024

Photo: Andrew Pritchard

OGDEN– A large grass fire has closed I-74 between the Ogden and Fithian exits at the border of Champaign and Vermilion Counties, according to Illinois State Police.

Heavy smoke is causing low visibility on the highway. Traffic is being rerouted to U.S. Route 150.

⚠️Traffic Advisory⚠️

Location: Vermilion County, Ogden Interstate 74 near milepost 196

Large grass fire reported, heavy smoke and low visibility

I-74 closed between Ogden and Fithian Exits, traffic being rerouted down to US 150. pic.twitter.com/PeovG0pajJ
— Illinois State Police Troop 7 (@ILStatePoliceT7) October 29, 2024

Meteorologist Andrew Pritchard is on the scene.

HEADS UP! There is a fire noted near Ogden, IL showing up on satellite late this afternoon. If you are driving in that area, including on I-74, be alert that there may be smoke around! #ILwx pic.twitter.com/oDSB0knEXP
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) October 29, 2024

The fire was caused by high winds and dry conditions.

Here are the peak wind gusts across central Illinois this afternoon. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/yJrtEJY10C
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) October 29, 2024

field fire — A fire caused by high winds and dry conditions breaks out in a field near Ogden, Illinois. Andrew Pritchard

Champaign County Sheriff Dustin D. Heuerman tells IPM News there are no injuries and no other highway closures at this time.

This is a developing story. Check ipmnewsroom.org for further updates.

TAGS: Central Illinois, champaign county, extreme weather, fire, Ogden, Strong winds, Vermillion County

WILL and the Illinois Newsroom are committed to bringing you in-depth, relevant coverage that keeps you informed and engages you with our community and state. Join with thousands of others to keep this important public media-based resource available to all. Donate today >>