NEWS RELEASE
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The increased danger of forest fires continues despite most areas of the state receiving some much needed rainfall last week. Warm temperatures and winds have already caused dry conditions to return.
As we move into November, leaf drop adds a new layer to already dry fuels amplifying fire activity. A warm, sunny day may seem like a good opportunity to clear dead limbs and leaves from your yard, but Kentucky Division of Forestry officials say now is not a good time to do any outdoor burning. The Division asks everyone to wait until conditions change before doing any outdoor burning.
During the Fall Forest Fire Season, which began October 1 and lasts until December 15, it is illegal for any person to burn between the daylight hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. While it is not illegal to burn after 6:00 p.m., forestry officials say the dry conditions make burning at all times dangerous.
“A substantial amount of rainfall over several days is needed to improve the current conditions,” says Bill Steele, Director, Kentucky Division of Forestry. “Until then, we’re counting on the public to refrain from outdoor burning.”
If you have questions about burning restrictions or regulations, please visit our WebPages at http://forestry.ky.gov or call the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 502-564-4496.