Home » Fire season underway in Kentucky

Fire season underway in Kentucky

Kentuckians urged to take precautions when using fire

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 31, 2015) — Spring forest fire season is underway. Since March 16, the Division of Forestry has battled more than 98 forest fires, damaging more than 1,320 acres.

Kentucky Division of Forestry logo.tifArson is the cause of the majority of the forest fires in Kentucky. But many fires are caused by people burning debris (trash, leaves, yard waste) and not taking precautions.

State law prohibits burning in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland, except between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Residents who cause a fire to spread may be held liable for fire suppression costs incurred by the state and county and for damage to property resulting from such fires.

Reporting any unusual activity to local law enforcement can help put a stop to wildfires. For questions about local restrictions regarding burning, call the local fire department and the Division for Air Quality at 502-564-3999.

For more information about fire hazard seasons, outdoor burning laws and safe burning practices, contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 1-800-866-0555.