Wildland Fire Prevention
The Division of Forestry promotes fire prevention through activities such as enforcement of the forest fire laws, school fire prevention programs, community events, Smokey Bear appearances and distribution of fire prevention information. Radio and television interviews as well as newspaper and magazine articles are also used to educate citizens about fire prevention.
The division also promotes the National Firewise Communities Program in an effort to educate homeowners about the risk of wildfire to property. The division's Firewise Program has information about risks associated with the wildland/urban interface (where forests and urban areas overlap).
One way to prevent fires is through prescribed fires also called controlled burns. Prescribed fire refers to the controlled application of fire by a team of fire experts under specified weather conditions that help restore health and resiliency to fire-dependent ecosystems and landscapes. and reduce wildfire risk.
To report a fire, contact the field office that serves your county.
Safe Debris Burning
- Burning should be conducted only during favorable weather conditions of high humidity and calm winds.
- Fires should be put out immediately if windy conditions risk the fire spreading to adjacent areas.
- Burn piles should be small to allow quick control of the fire if necessary.
- All burn piles should be continuously monitored until completely extinguished.
- Keep fire under control and have a source of water and/or shovel nearby.
- Build an adequate fire break of at least a 10-foot width of cleared vegetation around the burn pile.
- Burn piles should be located an adequate distance from other burn piles and/or structures.
- Do not locate burn piles under utilities or over utilities that are buried.
- Do not burn debris under existing trees or other overhead material that may catch fire.
Forest Fire Hazard Seasons
KRS 149.400 restricts outdoor burning during Forest Fire Hazard Seasons:
- During fire seasons, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland between the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Spring Forest Fire Hazard Season occurs Feb. 15 - April 30.
- Fall Forest Fire Hazard Season occurs Oct. 1 - Dec. 15.