Another brush fire got out of control late this week, charring several acres just south of Marion despite a statewide law prohibiting daytime burning.Volunteers from five fire departments were called Friday afternoon to help extinguish a blaze that threatened homes about 2.5 miles south of Marion of U.S. 641. The fire spread in a field on the eastern side of the highway behind several houses.
No reports of injuries or damages to structures, however, were recorded.
It remains illegal in Kentucky to conduct any type of outdoor burning during daytime hours. State law prohibits burning between the hours of 6 a.m., and 6 p.m., through April 30, due to spring forest fire hazards season.
Violation of the law could result in a bill to the person starting the fire in order to pay the cost of battling the blaze. Violators cold also face up to a $500 fine and/or jail time.
The law reads as follows:
KRS 149.400 Fire hazard seasons -- Fires prohibited -- Exceptions. The periods commencing on February 15 and ending on April 30 and commencing on October 1 and ending on December 15 of each year are hereby declared to be and established as the fire hazard seasons. During the fire hazard seasons, even though the precautions required by KRS 149.375 shall have been taken, it shall be unlawful for any person to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any flammable material capable of spreading fire, located in or within one hundred fifty feet (150') of any woodland or brushland, except between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., prevailing local time, or when the ground is covered with snow.
