STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Kentucky’s fall forest fire hazard season is officially underway, and Glasgow/Barren County Emergency Management is reminding residents about the extra restrictions now in place.
According to KRS 149.400, the fall fire hazard season runs each year from October 1 through December 15. It also runs from February 15 through April 30.
The law makes it unlawful during fire hazard season to set fire to, or to have someone else set fire to, flammable material that could spread fire if it is located in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.
Those restrictions apply during the daytime hours between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Burning that would otherwise be restricted is only allowed during those months if it is done between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., or if the ground is covered with snow.
The same statute notes that these limits apply even if other safety precautions have been taken.
In Barren County, the state’s seasonal rules come on top of a separate countywide burn ban that has already been in place for several weeks.
County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd signed a burn ban on Sept. 4 after sparse rainfall created dry conditions across the county.
The local burn ban remains in effect and is intended to further cut down on the chance that an outdoor fire could get out of control.
Residents are urged to be aware of both the statewide forest fire hazard season rules and the local burn ban before doing any outdoor burning.
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