Spring Wildfire Hazard Season is Here

Kentucky Division of Forestry Encourages Diligence

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 16, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear reminds Kentuckians that the Spring Wildfire Hazard Season, which began February 15, is in effect for every Kentucky county until April 30. State law prohibits burning between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.

“March and April are typically high wildfire occurrence months and we encourage everyone to please exercise caution and consider all factors to help maximize the safety of our neighbors, their homes and our forestlands,” Gov. Beshear said.

“The National Integrated Drought Monitor System shows 22 percent of Kentucky is still abnormally dry, mostly in the south-central part of the state and a small part of northeast Kentucky. As we have seen the last few days, leaves and fuel on the ground quickly dry when weather turns sunny and windy,” said Division of Forestry Director/State Forester Brandon Howard.

“We have responded to several wildfires since the first of February.  We ask that if debris burning occurs, take proper precautions to prevent fires from escaping and becoming wildfires, and report any suspected arson activity to local law enforcement or the target arson hotline,” he said.

KDF responds to more than 1,000 wildfires annually across the state. Partners such as the Daniel Boone National Forest and local fire departments also respond to several wildfires.

Ninety-nine percent of all wildland fires in Kentucky are caused by humans. Many are accidental like unmonitored debris burning, campfires and sparks from farm equipment. Nearly 60 percent are caused by arson.

Forestry officials say public efforts can go a long way in reducing the occurrence of wildfire. Taking extra precautions with debris fires and campfires, and being alert to forest arson can eliminate the majority of wildfires that occur in Kentucky.

• Be aware of all outdoor burning restrictions, including wildfire hazard seasons, air pollution regulations, state waste management regulations, restrictions imposed by local ordinances, and county burn bans. The Division for Air Quality has many outdoor burning restrictions. More information can be found at https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Air/Pages/Open-Burning.aspx

• Avoid burning debris during wildfire hazard seasons and during times of dry, windy conditions. Outdoor burning is illegal between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland during wildfire hazard seasons, February 15 – April 30 and October 1 – December 15.
• Incorporate “firewise” practices around homes and communities in forested areas. Firewise practices range from creating a defensible space around homes by removing leaves, debris, and firewood to ensuring access for safety personnel and equipment in rural or isolated areas. More ideas to firewise your home can be found at https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/wildland-fire-management/Pages/Kentucky-Firewise-Program.aspx
• Report suspicious acts of arson to local law enforcement, the nearest Kentucky State Police post or call the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON.

For more information on ways that you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, along with a map of local KDF field offices visit, https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/Pages/default.aspx