Governor Andy Beshear has announced that nearly a million dollars has been awarded to help Kentucky communities guard against wildfires. The funding comes from the USDA Forest Service as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. Each community receiving funding will create a Wildfire Protection Plan to reduce the risk of wildfires.
During his Team Kentucky update, the governor said people need to be responsible as the things begin to dry up this time of year.
“With the fall comes an increase risk of wildfires. We've recently seen what these wildfires can do to communities and we want to be prepared. While we love hiking and camping this time of year, we need everyone to be careful. We need to protect the nature and wildlife that makes Kentucky so special.”
Lewis County Emergency Management Director Dennis Brown accepted the funding for his county during the governor's Team Kentucky briefing on Thursday.
“Our beautiful landscape provides views year-round, but the same rugged hills and dense forest also increase our wildfire risk. This grant will allow up to be proactive in taking steps for our residents, businesses, and natural resources by developing a strong community wildfire protection plan.”
Lewis County received $237,000, Knox County received $250,000, Powell County received $235,000, and the Gateway Area Development District received $200,000, which includes Morgan, Bath, Rowan, Montgomery, and Menifee Counties.
