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Burn restrictions in place as Kentucky spring wildfire season begins

United States Forest Service

This week marks the beginning of spring wildfire season. That means more burning restrictions are in place.

Open burning of yard debris is banned within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland area during Kentucky’s fire hazard seasons. That restriction is in place between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s also completely illegal to burn household trash or other synthetic materials.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry recommends finding alternatives to burning in the meantime, like composting.

If burning is necessary, the division says to keep it to when conditions are safer. That includes during the evenings, or when it’s not dry or windy outside. The division also says to never use flammable liquids like gas or diesel fuel to speed up the process.

Tools like a bucket, hose, rake and shovel should also be nearby to control the fire. If it blazes out of control, call 911 or the local Division of Forestry field office.

Kentucky’s spring wildfire season lasts until April 30.

More information on open burning is available here.

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Shepherd joined WEKU in June 2023 as a staff reporter. He most recently worked for West Virginia Public Broadcasting as General Assignment Reporter. In that role, he collected interviews and captured photos in the northern region of West Virginia. Shepherd holds a master’s degree in Digital Marketing Communication and a bachelor’s in music from West Virginia University.
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