Large brush fires rage in Chicago suburbs

CHICAGO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Firefighters were battling multiple large brush fires on Tuesday in the Chicago area in the U.S. state of Illinois as weather experts issued a warning of elevated fire risk due to high winds and dry air.

A large blaze broke out in Alsip, a small suburban township some 30 km southwest of Chicago, downing power lines and leaving many without power, according to local authorities.

The fires, fueled by high winds and dry air, have involved many businesses and homes along the train tracks, said local fire department.

"Everyone is asked to stay indoors and avoid the impacted areas," Alsip police advised via their Facebook account.

Video footage showed the fire in one place sent huge plumes of smoke into the air and nearby businesses appeared to have suffered some damage. No casualties were reported.

As temperature reached 29 degree Celsius in the greater Chicago area on Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for parts of Illinois and Indiana states.

"The combination of strong winds, very low relative humidity, exceptionally dry fuels, and warm temperatures will promote extremely dangerous behavior of any fires," said the National Weather Service. Enditem