October marks the beginning of Wildfire Hazard Season

It’s currently Fall Wildfire Hazard Season in Kentucky which means citizens are expected to follow additional outdoor burning restrictions.

Wildfire Hazard Season started on October 1 and runs through December 15, and during that time, outdoor burning will be prohibited between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Fires should also not occur within 150 feet of any woodland, brushland and fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.

Residents are encouraged to create defensible spaces around their homes by removing leaves, debris and firewood that could cause a wildfire to spread.

State Forester Brandon Howard says the state had a wet spring which made for good growing conditions, but with current drought conditions leaves will likely be falling earlier which could increase fuel for wildfires.

The Division of Foresty responds to between 850 to 1,000 wildfires and 99% of them are caused by human activity.