Forest Service reminds visitors of campfire safety during Kentucky fire hazard season

U.S. Forest Service officials are encouraging Daniel Boone National Forest visitors to act responsibly and reduce the risk of starting a wildfire during Kentucky’s fall forest fire hazard season.

“Recent storms brought some much-needed moisture back to eastern Kentucky, but they also brought down a considerable number of leaves, trees and other plant debris,” said Ryle Benke, Daniel Boone National Forest fire management officer. “With minimal rain in the forecast, it won’t take long for that debris to dry out and serve as easy fuel for a wildfire.”

Abandoned or escaped campfires are one of the most common causes of wildfires on the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Forest Service recommends taking the following steps to prevent your campfire from starting a wildfire:

• Build campfires in existing fire pits or in clear spaces at least 15 feet away from branches or shrubs.

• Avoid building campfires in windy conditions where embers can easily be carried to nearby fuels.

• Never leave a campfire unattended or let it grow out of control.

• Ensure every campfire is completely extinguished before leaving by dousing it with water, stirring the ashes around and dousing it again. If the ashes still feel warm to the back of a hand, repeat the process until they are cold.

Visitors are encouraged to report abandoned or uncontrolled campfires to local law enforcement. Suspicious acts of arson should be reported to the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON or to local law enforcement officials, the Kentucky State Police or the Kentucky Division of Forestry field office that serves the area where the fire occurred.

“More than 99% of Kentucky forest fires are caused by human activity,” said Benke. “Even with a bit of rain or fog in the morning, leaves and small branches dry out quickly which may give you a false sense of security when setting up a campfire or burning debris at home. It’s important that we all do our part to ensure that all fires are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended.”

Kentucky’s fall fire season runs October 1 to December 15. During this time, state law prohibits burning in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland on state or private lands from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local officials may also issue burn bans that further restrict burning within the county. Campfires on the Daniel Boone National Forest are permitted unless a ban is issued by the Forest Supervisor.

For more information on Kentucky Forest Fire Hazard Season and burn restrictions, visit the Kentucky Division of Forestry website at https://eec.ky.gov

To learn more about the Daniel Boone National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov or find the Forest on social media @DanielBooneNF

U.S. Forest Service

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