Fire season is currently underway in the Commonwealth and the Kentucky Division of Forestry has issued a no-burn notice.
The Division of Forestry’s advises there be no burning any time before 6 p.m. The notice states Kentucky forest fire hazard seasons are Feb. 15 – April 30 and Oct. 1 – Dec. 15 and during those times, it is unlawful to set fire to any flammable material capable of spreading fire or start a fire located in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brush-land. The only permitted burn times are between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. or when the ground is covered with snow.
According to the division, this is because higher daytime temperatures and less humidity dry out fuels that feed wildfires, and wind speed picks up during the day — spreading the flames even faster.
Burning between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is a safer alternative because humidity levels rise at night, allowing fuels to absorb the moisture, and lower wind speeds are less likely to reignite embers or spread sparks.
The Division of Forestry also reminds Kentuckians that all fires should be attended until extinguished. If a burn pile starts a wildfire, the responsible parties may have to pay for the cost of putting it out.
