(LEX 18) — The Kentucky Division of Forestry reports firefighters are battling over 60 wildfires throughout the state.
KDF says the latest wildfire count is up to 62 across the state and around 11,000 acres have burned.
The counties with the most activity are Harlan, Pike, Perry, Breathitt, Bell, and Knott.
KDF says the current drought and unseasonably warm temperatures have made controlling wildfires more difficult.
"No matter where you are, it's always good to be aware of your surrounding and to really take advantage of tidying up your property, whether it's raking up leaves, because those leaves get very dry when we go through drought conditions, and they can carry fire,” said Division of Forestry spokesperson Alexandra Belvins.
In Knott County, wildfires have kept volunteer fire departments inundated with calls.
“It has been three nonstop days of waking up in the middle of the night, getting an hour or two of sleep, going to work, leave work, go out on another call, try to eat, and then you get another call,” said Ball Creek Volunteer Fire & Rescue Chief Benny Bailey.
Bailey explained the wildfires began in the area on Monday and seemed to be contained by Wednesday afternoon.
“We’ve spent a lot of time tonight just going through the trucks and making sure we’re prepared for the next call,” he said Wednesday night.
According to the Division of Forestry, roughly half of all wildfires are connected to arson.
To report suspicious activity or if you witness someone setting a wildfire, the Division of Forestry has an arson hotline that can be reached at 1-800-27-ARSON.
