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Fall fire season begins this week Melodie Phelps News Editor Little rainfall and hot days have made officials more than a little concerned about this fall fire season. While locally, no major outdoor fires have been reported recently, it is something that Fire Chief Steve Ferrell is concerned about. "It's a red flag right now with the Forestry Service," said Ferrell, as he talked about the dry conditions. This week marks the start of the fall forest fire hazard season, which continues through December 15. During this time, residents are prohibited from burning within 150 feet of woodland or brush land from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. While there are no sort of rules for the city or the county, Ferrell did offer some advice. Anyone who is burning brush or trash should never leave the fire unattended. He also advised that burning should occur after 4 p.m. and that it is never a good idea to burn on a windy day. Before you burn, you should also have a water supply in case you have to extinguish the fire. Ferrell suggested that anyone who is planning to burn check the Forestry Service's website at www.forestryky.gov for fire conditions, as well as for burning ban information. So far, the Monticello Fire Department has only responded to some small brush and trash fires. It's been several years since there have been any large woods fires in the county, and that is something that is alarming to fire officials not only in Wayne County but across the state. "The last four fire seasons have been unusually light, and that has created a very heavy accumulation of fuel in our forests," stated Leah MacSwords, director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry, an agency of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC). "In addition to the heavy accumulation of fuel, the current drought conditions could create a very dangerous situation," MacSwords said. "Citizens who live in and around our state's woodlands should take extra precautions to ensure their property is safe from wildfire." Anyone who has any questions regarding outdoor burning issues may contact Ferrell at (606) 348-5552. Add a comment |
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