Burn Ban in effect

Despite the rain received last week, McCreary County remains under a burn ban by order of McCreary County Judge Executive Doug Stephens.

Under the order all outdoor burning in McCreary County is prohibited by authority of KRS 149.401, and will remain in effect until the Executive Order is lifted by public notice.

Dry conditions have led to reports of several brush fires over the past weeks, prompting the ban.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry has a similar prohibition, noting criminal prosecution is possible if violated.

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 of the Kentucky Division of Forestry.  “Until then, we’re counting on the public to refrain from outdoor burning.”