Local fire departments respond to field fires in midst of daytime burn ban

Local fire departments have responded to multiple field fires in the midst of a daytime burn ban in Kentucky.

The Spring Fire Hazard Season is in effect until April 30. The Kentucky Division of Forestry prohibits burning within 150 feet of woodland or brushland between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Kentucky Revised Statute 149.400 dictates that “it shall be unlawful for any person to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any flammable material capable of spreading fire, located in or within one hundred fifty feet (150′) of any woodland or brushland, except between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., prevailing local time, or when the ground is covered with snow.”

The Division of Forestry responds to more than 1,000 wildfires across Kentucky each year. Studies show that 99 percent of all wildfires in the commonwealth result from human activity.

The penalty for violating the daytime burn ban is a minimum $500 fine and up to 100 days in jail.

(Photo: The Falls of Rough Fire Dept. responded to a field fire on Duff Road on February 20, courtesy of the Falls of Rough FD)

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com