Several Franklin Co. fire departments to conduct prescribed burn tonight

ZEIGLER, Ill. (Heartland News) - Several fire departments in Franklin County, Illinois will conduct a prescribed burn that could generate excessive smoke near Zeigler.

According to the Zeigler Fire Department Facebook page, the burn will start at 6:00 p.m. on November 10 in large drainage ditches from Maryland Street to Church Street.

The controlled burns are part of a training exercise with the Zeigler, Royalton, and Christopher Fire Departments, as well as an effort to clear overgrowth near the city park.

Fire officials say people who live in the area can expect excess smoke in nearby neighborhoods while the burn is conducted.

Fire department officials ask that drivers in the area use caution.