Stop Forest Arson

Arson is the leading cause of forest fires in Kentucky. Nearly 60 percent of all forest fires in Kentucky are intentionally set. These fires damage more than just forestland. They threaten homes, businesses and lives. Please protect your property, your community, your life and the many firefighters that put their lives on the line battling these needless fires.

Governor's Task Force on Wildland Arson Report

In December 2005, Governor Ernie Fletcher announced the formation of the Wildland Arson Task Force, which was directed to find short-term and long-term solutions to the wildland arson problem in Kentucky. Members of the task force included staff from the Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, U.S. Forest Service and Kentucky Farm Bureau, as well as the Owsley County sheriff, Bell County attorney, Floyd County judge executive, representatives from the Weyerhaeuser Co., Rowan County Route 377 fire department, Rep. W. Keith Hall and private landowners and consultants.  Susan C. Bush, commissioner of the Department for Natural Resources, served as the task force chairperson. The task force met throughout the summer and completed its work with the creation of this final report.

The task force recommends a two-fold approach to addressing the wildland arson problem.  The first area of recommendation focuses on law enforcement and aggressive prosecution, while the second area of focus is public awareness and education.  To review the final report, click on the link below.

Governor's Task Force on Wildland Arson Report

Report an Arsonist

Call the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON to report information about arson activity. You may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information provided leads to the arrest and indictment of an arsonist. The Target Arson Hotline is sponsored by the Arson Task Force.

You may also contact your local law enforcement officials, the Kentucky State Police or the Kentucky Division of Forestry district office that serves your area.

Helpful information includes location of fire, descriptions of vehicles and license plate numbers, physical descriptions of individuals and any other information pertaining to illegal burning.

Forest Arson is a Felony

Intentionally setting fire to land owned by someone else is a felony under state law (KRS 149.380) and is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines.