Kentucky spring wildfire season is underway, wildfire expert shares tips

SOUTH-CENTRAL KENTUCKY – Spring wildfire season has arrived, and being “fire-wise” is the top priority for the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

Fire-wise is a national initiative implemented during wildfire season to help people prepare for fires, which can occur more often than expected.

Wildfire experts reveal that, on average, about 50,000 acres of land are affected by wildfires annually. They urge everyone to remain cautious, as the risk is ever-present.

Michael Froelich, fire management chief with the Kentucky Division of Forestry, explains, “In the state of Kentucky, we average roughly close to a thousand wildfires across the state annually. If we have defensible space around, the wild urban interface areas allow us as firefighters to get in and successfully defend that structure.”

Additional fire-wise tips include avoiding burning anything on days with high winds and removing large piles of leaves from your property. By following these simple steps, residents can help reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure a safer environment for all.