State wide burn ban now in effect

WARREN COUNTY, Ky. – Even though I may have rained most of the day today burn bans are still in effect all throughout the state.

The annual state wide burn ban went into effect on October 1st preventing burning from 6 am to 6pm every day. During this time of year vegetation starts to dry out and farmers are clearing fields of the their harvest, leaving behind highly flammable material that can ignite at the smallest spark.

But its not just the dangers of the fire that can pose a risk, as most of the state fire departments are staffed by volunteers, leaving response to these fires more difficult due to the work schedules of the volunteers.

“Most of the state is served by volunteer firefighters. They’re not as plentiful in the daytime. Most of them have to work. So that’s why they try to restrict burning in the daytime. And, more toward the evening when there are more firefighters around. And also because weather conditions are usually better in the evening for burning,” said Chief of the Woodburn Volunteer Fire Department Bob Skipper.

Some county wide burn bans still remain in effect across south central Kentucky preventing further burning in some areas. But Chief Skipper says that just because you can burn during some times, doesn’t always mean that you should.

“So just because you can doesn’t mean you should just use common sense. If you have to burn something, burn when it’s moist outside. Right after a rain. Or even during a rain. If it’s that kind of a brush pile that’s already been dried pretty well. Just make Mother Nature work for you, not against you,” Skipper said.

You should avoid burning debris near any buildings or other flammable material. Violations of the state would burn ban could result in a hefty fine or worse if the fire spreads to other properties.