Wildfires Continue, More Counties Under Burn Ban

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Dry conditions and an increase in the number of forest fires has prompted the Kentucky Division of Forestry to urge several communities to wait until conditions change before doing any outdoor burning.

During the Fall Forest Fire Season, which began October 1 and lasts until December 15, it is illegal for any person to burn between the daylight hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. While it is not illegal to burn after 6:00 p.m., forestry officials say the dry conditions make burning at anytime dangerous.

66 counties have issued outdoor burning bans which now including Fayette, Clark and Bourbon Counties along with much of Eastern and Southern Kentucky.

Contact your county judge executive or your local fire department to find out if your county is under an outdoor burning ban. There are a total of 20 uncontrolled fires in the state, affecting more than 19,000 acres. The largest fire, affecting 7,400 acres, is in Harlan County.

Parts of the Commonwealth have received a little rainfall recently, but it wasn’t enough, especially when the unusually warm temperatures cause dry conditions to rapidly return.

“A substantial amount of rainfall over several days is needed to improve the current conditions,” says Bill Steele, Director, Kentucky Division of Forestry. “Until then, we’re counting on the public to refrain from outdoor burning. Remember, fire fighters risk their lives to protect you and your property.”

Three people have been arrested in connection to the fires. Police say Charles Watters II set leaves on fire during a burn ban. Investigators say that started a brush fire in McCreary County. Johnny Mullins in Letcher County and a juvenile in Harland County are both accused of arson.