Gov. Andy Beshear is urging Kentuckians to stay alert as the fall wildfire hazard season begins Wednesday, October 1.
The season brings outdoor burning restrictions across the state to help prevent wildfires.
Under state law, burning is prohibited between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. within 150 feet of any woodland, brushland or field containing dry grass or flammable materials. The restrictions run from October 1 through December 15 in the fall and from February 15 through April 30 in the spring.
The Kentucky Division of Forestry warns this fall could be particularly active. A wet spring fueled heavy vegetation growth, and ongoing drought in parts of the state is creating more fuel on the ground for wildfires to spread. The Division typically responds to 850 to 1,000 wildfires annually. Ninety-nine percent are caused by people, with arson accounting for more than half and debris burning the second leading cause.
Kentucky’s forests cover 12 million acres, nearly half the state, and play a major economic role. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the forest products industry contributed $19.1 billion to Kentucky’s economy and supported more than 28,000 jobs.
To reduce wildfire risk, the Division of Forestry urges residents to:
+ Avoid burning debris during hazard seasons and in dry, windy conditions.
+ Follow the 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. outdoor burning restriction near woodlands.
+ Use “Firewise” practices around homes, such as clearing leaves, debris and firewood to create defensible space for firefighters.
+ Report suspected arson to Kentucky State Police or call the Target Arson Hotline at 800-27-ARSON.
+ Check with local officials for burn bans and with the Division for Air Quality at (502) 564-3999 for additional burning regulations.
For more information on outdoor burning rules and wildfire prevention, visit the Kentucky Division of Forestry at bit.ly/OutdoorBurning.
