If you are seeing or hearing this, then either your browser/user agent does not support Cascading Style Sheets, or you have elected to turn them off.  You may see and/or hear immediately following this notice alerts regarding national security or the Amber Alert system that do not apply.  To see if these alerts apply, follow the links provided.  -Commonwealth of Kentucky
The national Homeland Security Advisory System's Threat Condition is currently red, meaning severe.  Check your local radio or television stations for up-to-date information.  You may also check the National Homeland Security website or the Kentucky Homeland Security website for more information.  -Commonwealth of Kentucky
The national Homeland Security Advisory System's Threat Condition is currently orange, meaning high.  Check your local radio or television stations for up-to-date information, or you may visit the National Homeland Security website or the Kentucky Homeland Security website for more information.  -Commonwealth of Kentucky
An Amber Alert has been issued.  Visit the Kentucky Emergency Management website for information.  -Commonwealth of Kentucky
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Last Modified:  6/26/2009
Wildfire Information

Forest Fire Hazard Seasons: Feb. 15 - April 30 and Oct. 1 - Dec. 15

As per KRS 149.400, the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is responsible for enforcing forest fire hazard seasons.  Kentucky's forest fire hazard seasons are Feb. 15 through April 30 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 15.  During forest fire seasons, it is illegal to burn anything between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.  For more information regarding forest fire hazard seasons and forest protection laws, click on Wildfire Management and Outdoor Burning Laws.  For information regarding safe burning practices, click on Wildfire Prevention and Safe Debris Burning

To report a fire, please contact the district office that serves your county.

Wildfire spreading along a woodland slope.

A Wildland Fire Situation Report is updated daily throughout  fire season and as fire activity occurs during the year.  For information on:

Number of fires
Acreage burned
Year-to-date fire activity
Counties with burn bans

Click the link below:
Current Wildland Fire Situation Report




Lighning bolt

Weather plays a major role in wildfire suppression. High winds, low humidity and lack of rainfall creates conditions favorable for wildland fires.  The division continuously monitors weather conditions to determine the fire danger rating for each day.  The fire danger rating is determined by wind velocity, relative humidity and lack of precipitation. Drought conditions cause serious concern for potential wildfires in Kentucky.  To view regional drought conditions, click U.S. Drought Monitor.  For more information on how fire behavior is affected by weather, click on the Wildland Fire and Weather brochure.

For current fire weather in your area, click on the city nearest you.   

Jackson 
Charleston 
Louisville 
Paducah 
Wilmington 

Kentucky Division of Forestry Statistics:
2008 - Total number of wildland fires: 1,480     
2008 - Total number of acres burned:  34,381

Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF) Statistics:
2008 - Total number of wildland fires: 71    
2008 - Total number of acres burned: 2,770.85
*For additional information about DBNF, click here.

Historical Records and Statistics:
1999 - 2008 Summary of Wildland Fire Activities
1999 - 2008 Summary of Fire Sizes
1945 - 2008 Historical Wildland Fire Statistics

1960 - 2008 Summary of Kentucky Wildland Fire Activities
2003 - 2008 Wildfire Charts

Firewise Information - Protecting Your Home
 
If you live in or near forests or wildlands, visit the Firewise Web page to learn how to create a more "firewise" environment. This Web site is designed for homeowners who want to learn about and reduce the fire dangers near their homes.

For additional information contact:

Diana Olszowy, environmental control branch manager or Lynn Brammer, environmental education section supervisor, at 502-564-4496
 

DNR Division of Forestry
627 Comanche Trail
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-4496
Fax: 502-564-6553
E-mail: Diana.Olszowy@ky.gov