Kentucky Burn Ban Lifted

From: Governor Fletchers Office: GOVERNOR FLETCHER SIGNS ORDER LIFTING OUTDOOR BURNING BAN Reduction of accidental fires, recent rains decrease danger FRANKFORT, Ky. – Recent rains have decreased the danger of wildfire, prompting Governor Ernie Fletcher to lift an emergency ban on outdoor burning. Severe drought, wildfire conditions and concerns over citizen and firefighter safety prompted Governor Fletcher to declare a state of emergency on Oct. 4 and ban all outdoor burning. “The number of accidental wildfires decreased significantly with the implementation of the ban,” said Governor Fletcher. “Citizens, local governments and organizations did an excellent job of observing the ban during these extremely dangerous fire conditions. We remain concerned about intentionally set fires and ask citizens to report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency.” The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) reminds citizens that the fall fire hazard season runs through Dec. 15. Although the statewide ban has been lifted, other outdoor burning regulations remain in force. State forestry regulations make it illegal to burn within 150 feet of a woodland or brush land from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily during fire hazard seasons. The Division for Air Quality also has outdoor burning restrictions and should be contacted, toll-free, at 888-BURN-LAW before any outdoor burning is conducted. “We are just getting started with what is shaping up to be one of the most serious fire seasons ever,” said Leah MacSwords, KDF division director. “The much-needed rain received this week will only temporarily decrease fire activity. Dry conditions can return quickly following a few days of rain-free weather.” Prior to the statewide outdoor burning ban, 35 counties had implemented local burning bans. The KDF encourages all counties to evaluate local conditions and reissue local bans if needed.