Emergency Medical Services

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Energy and Environment Cabinet

Steven L. Beshear, Governor Len Peters, Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Lynn Brammer

Kentucky Division of Forestry

800-866-0555

Wildfire Potential Increases as Season Continues

Weekend Forecast Has Forestry Officials Concerned

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 4, 2010) – The Kentucky Division of Forestry is preparing for increased fire activity this weekend as temperatures warm. Low humidity, increased fuel loads and low-fuel moisture could cause high to very high fire conditions.

“Although the first two weeks of the spring fire hazard season have been relatively calm, we’re concerned about the potential for wildfires over the next few days,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry. “The warmer weather will prompt many people to spend time outdoors and that usually means increased fire activity.”

Most fires are caused by careless debris burning and arson, therefore, the division is urging citizens to choose an alternate disposal method rather than burning and to report any information about arson to the division or a local law enforcement agency.

Citizens should be aware of the following precautionary measures to prevent wildfires:

· Outdoor burning is illegal between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland during forest fire hazard seasons.

· Debris burning should be avoided altogether during fire hazard seasons.

· In addition to forest fire laws, outdoor burning laws include air pollution regulations and restrictions imposed by local ordinances.

· Suspicious acts of arson should be reported to the nearest Kentucky State Police post or the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON.

· Citizens who live near forested areas should use Firewise practices around their homes to minimize home loss to wildfire. Firewise practices include creating a defensible space around homes by removing leaves, debris, dead plant material and firewood.

For more information about fire hazard seasons, outdoor burning laws and Firewise practices, contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 1-800-866-0555 or visit the division’s Web site at http://www.forestry.ky.gov/.

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