Burn ban buster: Recent rain helps ongoing drought

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – A drought defeater. A burn ban buster. Whatever you call it, this week’s heavy rainfall has been a welcome sight. Henderson Fire Department Division Chief Matthew Anderson says the recent drought has been one of the worst dry spells in his 10 years with the department.

“A month without rain here is not very common,” says Anderson. “Fortunately, for us, we haven’t had any major issues, but we’re glad to see some rain in the forecast coming up.”

Rain has prompted several counties in the Tri-State to lift their burn bans , including Henderson County. “When we institute burn bans, it’s not done lightly,” explains Henderson County Judge Executive Brad Schneider. “And when we take them off, you know, it’s with some good reason, but we had enough rain over the weekend that it made sense and things can get back to a little bit more normal.”

Schneider ended the ban after much of the county picked up more than two inches of rain earlier this week. “Hopefully it rains for a couple more days and we don’t have to worry about this for a while,” says Schneider. “We know it’s an annoyance for some people. It’s football season so bonfires and firepits and all that is what everyone wants to do, but the danger is real.”

While burn bans are slowly being rescinded, residents are urged to continue using caution, especially in areas that have only seen a little precipitation. “Obviously, if you haven’t had any rain, you’re still going to be under drought conditions,” says Anderson. “Your ground is going to be drier, it’s going to catch fire more quickly, spread a lot faster than it would in these areas that received a good amount of rain these last couple days and will continue to see.”

Schneider adds, “You’ve still got to keep an eye on it, you should never leave fires unattended. But hopefully, with the rain, the danger’s become a little less prevalent.”

For a map of current Indiana burn bans, click here . An updated list of Kentucky counties under burn bans can be found at the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s website .

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