Officials say rash of Whitley wildfires no accident; burn bans issued

Over 300 acres have been scorches by fires in Whitley County since last Friday, and officials say nearly all of the damage is the work of arsonists.

On Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a "Red Flag Warning" for the 33 counties in eastern Kentucky, saying that low humidity could contribute to "extreme wildfire condition." Officials say that over 150 fires have been reported in eastern Kentucky since Friday, burning over 8,500 of land all told.

"The last few days have been the busiest time for fighting forest fires since spring fire hazard season began this year," said Leah MacSwords, director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry.  "While others are out enjoying the beautiful weather, division firefighters and countless local fire department firefighters are battling these fires and protecting Kentucky’s forests, homes and communities." 

Red Flag Warnings are issued when fire conditions include a relative humidity of less than 25 percent, fuel moisture of less than eight percent and winds at 15 mph or greater.

The warmer weather was certainly a contributing factor in the number of fires that occurred. When temperatures rise and the humidity is low, conditions are ripe for forest fires.  Warm temperatures also prompt people to spend time in the outdoors, which usually means increased fire activity.

Local Judge-Executives responded Tuesday by issuing burn bans in Laurel and Whitley Counties that will extend until the region sees significant rainfall.

Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. said he hopes the ban will help aid firefighters and Forestry officials in controlling the fires.

"It’s been an unusually dry spring and we are just trying to help the Division of Forestry in any way we can to deal with the problem," White said Tuesday. "There is supposed to be a significant storm front come through Thursday so we are hoping that that will help ease things a bit."

While a burn ban is in place, citizens are prohibited from engaging in any outdoor burning. State law provides civil and criminal penalties for anyone caught violating the ban.

But while weather conditions may be contributing factors to the spread of fires in the Whitley County, there is little doubt the cause of the fires is no accident.

Woodbine Fire Chief Rick Fore said he believes nearly all of the eight or nine fires his department helped to bring under control since Friday were cases of arson.

"There was somebody who said they seen them doing it," Fore said. "One man said he saw a vehicle leaving the scene of one of the fires. I’ve talked to a few people that have seen the vehicle."

The vehicle, believed to be some type of SUV, was spotted in numerous locations near the fires Friday. Also, Fore said one witness saw two men running from one of the fires before officials got there.

The fires all took place starting from the Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter on Hwy. 6 toward Clark’s Store on 779 toward Hwy. 11. Numerous fires were reported at the exact same time at about 3:30 p.m. Friday. Firefighters from Woodbine, Rockholds and Three-Point Volunteer Fire Departments all responded.

None of the fires threatened any structures except one on Hwy. 779 which came relatively close to a barn. It was contained before any damage was done.

Officials said Tuesday the brush and all forest fires in Whitley County were under control, either extinguished or contained by fire lines.

Fore said police and the Division of Forestry are aware of the vehicle and have been given descriptions of the individuals. He said the Division of Forestry was patrolling the county and that law enforcement was on high alert for arsonists.

"Everybody is out patrolling the roads," Fore said. "If anybody sees anybody doing it, they need to notify the Division of Forestry. They don’t have to give their name or nothing. A lot of people won’t report these things because they are afraid they will get drawn into court."

As to why anyone would be motivated to set the fires, Fore said it could be revenge against property owners, someone trying to get even with the government because they lost their hunting license, or for just plain thrills.
"Some people just like to see fire," he said.

According to the Kentucky Division of Forestry’s most current Wildland Fire Activity Report, counties with ongoing fire activity include: Bell, Bullitt, Carter, Clay, Floyd, Garrad, Jackson, Johnson, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Metcalfe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Rockcastle, Whitley and Wolfe.

So far this year, 531 wildland fires have been reported statewide and 9,139 acres have been scorched. Of those fires, 286 are believed to be cases of arson, 184 from smoldering debris and 61 from other causes like lighting or smoking.