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Division of Forestry Issues Fall Burn Reminder

Division of Forestry Issues Fall Burn Reminder
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By West Kentucky Star Staff
Sep. 30, 2016 | FRANKFORT, KY
By West Kentucky Star Staff Sep. 30, 2016 | 03:31 PM | FRANKFORT, KY
The Kentucky Division of Forestry is issuing a reminder to residents about statewide burning restrictions during the fall season.

Each year, nearly 1,500 wildfires occur in the state of Kentucky based on the 10-year average. KDF says in addition to the threatening lives, wildfires in Kentucky can cause damage to homes, private property, trees and landscapes. Most of Kentucky's wildfires are the result of arson and careless open-burning, according to KDF.  

State law restricts open burning within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland to between the daylight hours of 6 am and 6 pm during the Fall and Spring forest fire hazard seasons, which run from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15 and from Feb. 15 to Apr. 30.

Division Director Bill Steele said leaf litter is the most common source of combustible material in Kentucky forests. "Unlike western fires that burn on the ground and in the canopy, Kentucky's fires usually stay on the forest floor and burn only what is already down," Steele said. "Beginning in October, fresh new dead leaf litter begins to fall in the forest." 

Residents can call the Division of Air Quality at 1-502-782-6592 to learn about other specific regulations before burning anything.
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