The Kentucky Division of Forestry is again preparing for an active wildfire season. Each year, nearly 1,500 wildfires occur in the state of Kentucky based on the 10-year average.
Wildfires in Kentucky threaten and cause damage to homes, private property, trees and landscapes. More importantly, they place lives at risk, including those of firefighters. Most of Kentucky’s wildfires are preventable because they are the result of arson and careless open-burning (burning of trash, debris and brush).
State law restricts open burning within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the Fall and Spring forest fire hazard seasons, which run from October 1 to December 15 and from February 15 to April 30 respectively.
Division Director Bill Steele said hardwood leaf litter is the most common source of combustible material in Kentucky forests. Beginning in October, fresh new dead leaf litter begins to fall in the forest adding fuel for potential fires.
During the October through December fire hazard season, winds become erratic due to the coming seasonal change and Kentucky also typically sees lower relative humidity numbers than in summer. When relative humidity numbers get below 25 percent, bad fires can occur.
By restricting burning until after 6 p.m. during the fall and spring, winds are typically lower and the humidity is higher, making outdoor fires more manageable and less likely to escape.
Arson is a felony and it’s everyone’s responsibility to take proper precautions when burning.
Residents should call the Division of Air Quality at 1-502-782-6592 to learn about other specific regulations before burning anything.
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