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Burn restriction begins Sunday
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By Eugenia Jones {Editor}
eugenia@highland.net
Don’t forget the Fall Kentucky Forest Fire Hazard Season begins this Sunday (October 1, 2023) and runs through Friday, December 15, 2023.
During Fire Hazard Season, it is against the law (KRS.149.400) to burn within 150 feet of wooded or brushy areas, except between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
According to Stearns District Ranger Tim Reed, over 98% of wildfires in Eastern KY are human caused. “So that means almost all wildfires can be prevented if people will simply take proper precautions,” Reed said. “We ask that everyone pay attention to the seasonal statewide burning restrictions. Even if we have had some recent rain, things dry out very quick in the fall of the year and extreme fire behavior can occur unexpectedly. We ask folks to please ensure their campfires and debris burns are completely out prior to leaving them.”
Reed recommended some good practices to ensure campfires don’t turn into wildfires, including:
-Building campfires in existing fire pits or in clear spaces at least 15 feet away from branches or shrubs.
-Avoiding campfires in windy conditions where embers can easily be carried to nearby fuels.
-Never leaving a campfire unattended or letting it grow out of control.
-Ensuring a campfire is completely extinguished before leaving by covering it with dirt or water, stirring the ashes around, and dousing it again. If the ashes still feel warm to the back of a hand, repeat the process until they are cold.
McCreary County Emergency Management Director and Code Enforcement Officer Stephen McKinney noted a new local ordinance making individuals who ignore fire bans subject to fines of $50-$500 is expected to pass Fiscal Court next month. If the ordinance passes, McKinney said individuals will be warned before being fined. He also provided wildfire safety suggestions which will be printed in the September 27-October 11 editions of The Voice.
Wildfire Safety
Provided by Stephen McKinney,
McCreary County Emergency
Management Director
Wildfire
The threat of wildland fires for people living near wildland areas or using recreational facilities in wilderness areas is real. Dry conditions at various times of the year and in various parts of the United States greatly increase the potential for wildland fires.
Planning and knowing how to protect buildings in these areas can lessen the devastation of a wildland fire. There are several safety precautions that you can take to reduce the risk of fire losses. Protecting your home from wildfire is your responsibility. To reduce the risk, you’ll need to consider the fire resistance of your home, the topography of your property and the nature of the vegetation close by.
Listed here are several suggestions that you can implement immediately. Others need to be considered at the time of construction or remodeling. You should also contact your local fire department, forestry office, emergency management office or building department for information about local fire laws, building codes and protection measures. Obtain local building codes and weed abatement ordinances for structures built near wooded areas.
Find Out What Your
Fire Risk Is
Learn about the history of wildfire in your area. Be aware of recent weather. A long period without rain increases the risk of wildfire. Consider having a professional inspect your property and offer recommendations for reducing the wildfire risk. Determine your community’s ability to respond to wildfire. Are roads leading to your property clearly marked? Are the roads wide enough to allow firefighting equipment to get through? Is your house number visible from the roadside?
Learn and teach safe fire practices.
• Build fires away from nearby trees or bushes.
• Always have a way to extinguish the fire quickly and completely.
• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas.
• Never leave a fire–even a cigarette–burning unattended.
• Avoid open burning completely, and especially during dry season.
Always be ready for an emergency evacuation.
Evacuation may be the only way to protect your family in a wildfire. Know where to go and what to bring with you. You should plan several escape routes in case roads are blocked by a wildfire.
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