(LEX 18) — Multiple Kentucky counties are under temporary burn bans as the area faces excessive dryness and hazardous conditions.
On Tuesday, Jessamine County Judge/Executive David K. West issued an executive order that would prohibit outside burning in the county. The ban is in effect until further notice.
In Anderson County, Judge/Executive Orbrey Gritton signed an executive order Monday to issue a burn ban throughout the county due to the "excessive drought, unusual dryness, and fire hazard conditions."
On Monday, Anderson County fire crews worked to stop a brush fire from reaching nearby homes.
This brush fire in Anderson County was just 30 yards away from reaching homes yesterday.
— Andrew Lamparski (@andrewlamparski) September 27, 2023
Counties across the state—including Anderson, Jessamine and Clark—are putting burn bans in place to prevent scenes like this one.
The latest tonight at 11 on @LEX18News
🎥: Myles Young pic.twitter.com/dzikQ1x8UP
Anderson County Fire Chief Patrick Krogman explained the department has been busy during the dry conditions, and Monday's fire could have been much worse.
"If the department was a little bit slower getting there or we were a little bit farther from that location, it would've also been a structure fire," Krogman said.
With or without local burn bans, statewide restrictions go into effect on October 1 for Kentucky's fire season. It will run through December 15.
Outdoor fires within 150 feet of woodland or brushland will be prohibited, except between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., to allow for higher humidity levels and slower wind speeds at night.
"People don't realize how quickly a fire can get away from them," said Major Chris Smith, fire Marshall for Clark County. "A small pile of leaves could turn into a two, three, four-acre fire."
Clark County has been under a temporary burn ban since September 21. They ask residents to refrain from burning until further notice.
The good news is some rain chances are finally on the way. LEX 18 weather forecaster Bayne Froney says widespread rain and storms are possible throughout the morning hours on Wednesday and is expected to continue into the afternoon. Showers/storms will continue on and off through Thursday as well.
