“Despite recent precipitation, dead fuels like grass, leaves and twigs are rapidly dried with sunlight and wind,” said William H. Steele, Jr., director of the Division of Forestry. “With only a few hours of sunlight and wind, these fuels can become primed for carrying a wildfire. It is very important that people do not develop a false confidence during wet conditions.”
Kentucky law designates Feb. 15 through April 30 as spring forest fire hazard season. During this time, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The burning law is intended to prevent fires by allowing burning only during the time when conditions are less likely to cause the spread of fire.
Typically, winds are calmer and humidity is higher from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. While burning is allowed during these hours, no one should burn unless the air is calm and there is adequate moisture in the air to prevent the spread of fire. It is illegal to start a fire any time of the year on or near timberland without taking all reasonable precautions to prevent it from spreading.
One of the leading causes of forest fires in Kentucky is fire accidentally escaping when people burn trash or unwanted material. The Kentucky Division of Forestry urges Kentucky residents to be extremely careful this fire season when burning outdoors and to follow state and local laws.
Remember to check local ordinances, state air quality and state waste management regulations before conducting any outdoor burning. The Division for Air Quality has many outdoor burning restrictions and should be contacted at (888) BURN LAW.
