Tuesday marks the beginning of the Fall Wildfire Hazard Season, bringing burn restrictions to communities not already under a ban.
State officials say the Commonwealth’s Burning Law from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. prohibits burning before 6 p.m if the fire is in, or within 150 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.
Director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF), James Wright says by adhering to the law and burning after 6 p.m. fires are less likely to escape. Over the last several weeks, he notes some areas of the state have received some precipitation while others have received little if any.
The state’s Burning Law Fall Wildfire Hazard Season restrictions are in effect through December 15 whether or not a county has a burn ban or, if it does, if it is lifted.
In western Kentucky, Christian and Trigg are the only counties in the area that are not under a burn ban.
Forestry officials remind everyone to be careful with outdoor fire any time of the year, but especially during the wildfire seasons when the risk of fire escaping is greatest. If a fire does escape, immediately contact the nearest Division of Forestry field office or local fire department.
In September, officials say KDF responded to more than 104 wildlife fires when normally there are none this time of the year.
