The fall forest fire hazard season is now in full effect, which prohibits any open burning within 150 feet of any woodland area between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. through Dec.15.
Nearly 1,500 wildfires are reported across the state each year, according to data from the Kentucky Division of Forestry, damaging homes, private property, trees and landscapes. That data also shows that last fall KDF responded to 520 fires that burned 52,216 acres of land, resulting in a timber value loss of $20,642,663.
Mike Harp, assistant fire chief with KDF, said that in the Tri-County area specifically, 70 fires were reported to the division, with 6,740 acres of land being burned between Oct. 1 and Dec. 15.