Spring Wildfire Hazard Season is Here

Restrictions begin today through April 30. Citizens urged to be careful if burning outdoors. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2023) – The Spring Wildfire Hazard Season throughout Kentucky begins today and lasts until April 30. The law prohibits any person from burning between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland. 

The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) urges residents across the state to exercise caution when burning debris, and to consider all factors to help maximize the safety of people, property and the forest.

“There is more moisture in the soil compared to last fall when we were in a drought, but the leaves and fuel on the ground quickly dry on sunny, windy days,” said Division of Forestry Director / State Forester Brandon Howard.  “In many areas we are still recovering from last year’s natural disasters which have resulted in more fuel if a wildfire occurs.  We ask that if debris burning occurs, take proper precautions to prevent fires from escaping and becoming wildfires. And as always, report any suspected arson activity to local law enforcement.”

March and April are typically high wildfire occurrence months, but the division has already responded to 116 wildland fires since January 1. While 10% of the wildfires so far this year were a result of downed power lines sparking fires during wind events, the majority of the wildfires have been a result of outdoor debris burning and arson. 

The division responds to more than 1,000 wildfires annually across the state. Partners such as the Daniel Boone National Forest and local fire departments also respond to several wildfires. 

Forestry officials say that public efforts can go a long way in reducing the occurrence of wildfire. Taking extra precautions with debris fires and campfires and being alert to forest arson can eliminate the majority of wildfires that occur in Kentucky.

• Be aware of all outdoor burning restrictions, including forest fire hazard seasons, air pollution regulations, restrictions imposed by local ordinances, and county burn bans. The Division for Air Quality has many outdoor burning restrictions. More information can be found at https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Air/Pages/Open-Burning.aspx
• Avoid burning debris during fire hazard seasons and during times of dry, windy conditions. Outdoor burning is illegal between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland during forest wildfire hazard seasons.
• Incorporate “Firewise” practices around homes and communities in forested areas, which includes creating a defensible space around homes by removing leaves, debris, and firewood. Learn more at https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/wildland-fire-management/Pages/Kentucky-Firewise-Program.aspx
• Report suspicious acts of arson to local law enforcement, the nearest Kentucky State Police post or call the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON.

If you are burning agriculture residue and forestland litter, a fire line should be plowed around the area to be burned. Large fields should be separated into small plots for burning one at a time. Before beginning any burning in a wooded area, contact your KDF county forest ranger who will weigh all factors, explain them, and offer advice.

For more information on ways that you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, along with a map of local KDF field offices, visit https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/wildland-fire-management/Pages/default.aspx

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Governor Beshear Urges Caution as Wildfire Hazard Season Begins October 1

Extra vigilance is urged; Kentucky outdoor burning law in place

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2022) – Governor Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman urged every Kentuckian to be alert as Fall wildfire hazard season in Kentucky begins October 1, bringing outdoor burning restrictions to the state.

“With regions of the Commonwealth recovering from flooding damage, it is especially important that all Kentuckians be vigilant with fire safety when outdoors,” Gov. Beshear said. “Think of others so that we can all be safe.”

The Commonwealth’s outdoor burning law (KRS149.400) prohibits burning between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (prevailing local time), if the fire is within 150 feet of any woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. These restrictions are in effect every fall (October 1 – December 15) and spring (February 15 – April 30) to help prevent wildfires.

“With Kentuckians heavily impacted by natural disasters over the last nine months, the division will continue to work hard to protect our fellow citizens and wildlife,” said Brandon Howard, Kentucky’s State Forester and Director of the Division of Forestry. “We ask that if debris burning occurs, take proper precautions to prevent fires from escaping and becoming wildfires.”

The Division of Forestry responds to more than 1,000 wildfires annually across the state. Studies show that 99% of all wildfires in Kentucky are from human activity. Arsonists start over half of the wildfires, and the second leading cause is debris fires that escape. If a fire escapes from the burning of debris, immediately contact the nearest Division of Forestry field office, or the local fire department.

The Commonwealth has more than 12 million acres of forested area, with almost all of them available for timber production. This acreage also provides a critical habitat for many game and nongame wildlife species, including deer, turkey, elk, and black bears.

“It is vitally important that we don’t lose any of this resource due to carelessness with fire,” Cabinet Secretary Goodman said. “Please be responsible and be safe.”

To help prevent wildfires, KDF recommends the following precautions:

• Be aware of all outdoor burning restrictions, including forest fire hazard seasons, air pollution regulations, restrictions imposed by local ordinances, and county burn bans.
• The Kentucky Division for Air Quality has information on addressing the disposal of storm and flood debris at https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Air/Documents/StormDebris082720.pdf
• Avoid burning debris during fire hazard seasons and during times of dry, windy conditions. Outdoor burning is illegal between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland during wildfire hazard seasons.
• Incorporate “Firewise” practices around homes and communities in forested areas. Firewise practices include creating a defensible space around homes by removing leaves, debris, and firewood to ensure access for safety personnel and equipment in rural or isolated areas.
• Report suspicious acts of arson to the nearest Kentucky State Police post or call the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON.

Contact your local fire department or county judge-executive’s office for questions regarding local burn bans. Residents should call the Division for Air Quality at 1-888-BURN-LAW to learn about other specific regulations before burning anything.

For more on the Kentucky Division of Forestry, and the wildland fire management program, visit http://bit.ly/KyWildfireMgmt.

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