Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Joins Fight Against Wildfires

NEWS RELEASE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2016) — Twenty Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources wildlife biologists and technicians have joined more than 400 others helping Division of Forestry in fighting wildland fires that already have burned nearly 41,000 acres in east Kentucky.

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and the Office of the State Climatologist issued a Level 1 drought declaration last week for 117 Kentucky counties in coordination with the Kentucky Drought Mitigation Team.

Gov. Matt Bevin declared a statewide emergency and urged all citizen to refrain from outdoor burning and use extreme caution during outdoor activities. At least 60 counties also have issued burn bans as a result of the wildfire activity and drought conditions.

“There are at least 24 fires burning still on 25,000 acres, and Division of Forestry has asked for our help,” said Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Deputy Commissioner Karen Waldrop. “Our people are trained, equipped and experienced in dealing with fire. They will assemble at the Division of Forestry office in Hazard and deploy to critical areas from there.”

Hunters can assist by being vigilant. Hunters who spot wildfires or suspicious activity involving fires should call the Poaching Hotline at 1-800-25-ALERT (1-800-252-5378).

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