Burn Ban Issued for Crittenden County

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom issued a countywide burn ban Monday, citing dry conditions, low humidity and an increased risk of wildfires.

The executive order, effective Sept. 8, prohibits all outdoor burning under authority of KRS 149.401. That statute allows counties to restrict open burning during periods of extraordinary wildfire hazard and provides for misdemeanor penalties if violated.

The ban means residents and visitors must refrain from burning yard debris, household waste, campfires, bonfires or other outdoor fires. Even open-pit cooking or grilling could fall under the restriction. The order will remain in effect until lifted by public notice.

Newcom urged compliance for the safety and protection of property and natural resources. A similar ban was issued almost to the day last year, underscoring the recurring fire danger during late-summer dry spells.