Burn ban in effect in Whitley County, KY in state of emergency

A burn ban is currently in effect in Whitley County as a statewide state of emergency has also been declared due ongoing wildfires.

Last week, Whitley County Judge Executive Pat White issued a burn ban to prohibit outdoor burning of any kind within the county. The ban comes as multiple wildfires continue to burn across the county and many more throughout the state.

According to the Kentucky Division of Forestry’s fire map, there are currently four wildfires in Whitley County alone, accounting for approximately 750 acres that have burned or are still on fire. The data shows that of the four, three are controlled and two are contained.

Across the state, numbers are much higher, with 100 fires currently ongoing with approximately 27,000 acres involved. Kentucky’s fall fire season runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15 each year, when many of these types are fires are common.

White told the News Journal Tuesday that weather conditions have created a prime catalyst for such fires and asked that area residents heed the ban that has been put in place.

“This fall has been particularly dry and the danger present can easily be seen by some of the large fires that there have been throughout the region this year. Please help us continue to keep our area safe through this extraordinary season,” said White.

The burn ban will remain in effect until it is rescinded via public notice.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also declared a state of emergency last week in an attempt to coordinate response efforts and resources.

“We are taking action to make sure that Kentucky families and communities have the resources they need,” said Beshear, via a press release. “We appreciate everyone on the front lines stepping up to fight the fires, and we pray for their safety and that these fires can be put out quickly.”

For those interested in learning how to prepare for wildfires and making a plan to stay safe, details can be found by visiting ready.gov/wildfires.

For more information about fire hazard seasons, contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 1 (800) 866-0555 or visit www.forestry.ky.gov.

The next fire hazard season begins Feb. 15 and runs through April 30.