Glasgow-Barren County Emergency Management issues statement on wildfires, burn ban

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. – Barren County has already experienced wildfires this season.

That’s according to a recent burn ban issued by Barren County judge-executive Jamie Bewley Byrd.

Glasgow-Barren County Emergency Management director Garland Gilliam issued a statement Tuesday:

“We went ahead and issued the burn ban yesterday, because local fire department had been out on the third field fire in a couple days. All of our fires have been contained and extinguished. However, we wanted to be proactive in issuing a ban due to the extreme dry conditions and all the fallen leaves right now. Local emergency management directors have been communicating regarding issuing a burn ban in their respective counties since late last week,” Gilliam stated.

The county joins a growing list of counties, including Metcalfe, that are issuing burn bans as a precaution. Warren County Emergency Management additionally issued an elevated fire danger Tuesday.

Officials say this means that any fire that burns today will likely spread quickly, and outdoor burning is not recommended.

Gov. Andy Beshear’s office said Monday statewide numbers showed 16 active wildfires and 36 fires that are contained.