JEFFERSON COUNTY — Due to dry conditions and high winds forecast this afternoon, the Mt Vernon Fire Department has issued a 24-hour burn ban beginning at noon Wednesday.

The ban will be reconsidered in 24-hour increments and any future bans will be announced by City officials.

Low humidity and strongest winds will create the highest fire danger along the Interstate 64 corridor in southern Illinois. Burning was strongly discouraged throughout the area Wednesday.

The next week to burn leaves in Mt. Vernon is the second full week of November.