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