Fall forest fire season begins Monday, which means restrictions on outdoor burning goes into effect.
Officials with the Kentucky Division of Forestry say wildfires in the state threaten homes, private property, trees and landscapes, and more importantly they place lives at risk, including firefighters. They note the vast majority of Kentucky’s wildfires are preventable, the result of arson and careless open burning of trash, debris, and brush.
State law restricts open burning within 150 feet of any woodland or brush land between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. during the fall and spring wildfire hazard seasons, which run from October 1 to December 15, and from February 15 to April 30, respectively. By restricting burning after 6 p.m. during the fall and spring, fire officials say winds are typically lower and the humidity is higher, making outdoor fires more manageable and less likely to become wildfires.
State fire officials indicate arson continues to be the leading cause of wildfires in the Commonwealth, and will again be their focus. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources officers will once again be assisting the division by investigating arson-caused wildfires.
Officials remind citizens arson is a felony and anyone convicted of arson can face fines and imprisonment.
