As recent rain brought some much needed moisture to the area, some counties have decided to lift burn bans.
Lewis County, recently lifted its burn ban. Lewis County Judge-Executive Todd Ruckel said although the ban is lifted, he wants to remind people that it is still Kentucky’s fall forest fire hazard season, which is from Oct. 1 through Dec. 15. During forest fire seasons, it is illegal to burn anything between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.
Likewise, in an executive order signed on Oct. 8 by Fleming County Judge-Executive Larry Foxworthy that lifts the ban in his county, he urges residents to “exercise great caution when conducting any outdoor burning in Fleming County.”
While Fleming and Lewis counties have lifted their burn bans, Mason and Bracken have decided to maintain the ban and wait for more rain.
Since Sept. 17, Mason County has been under a burn ban which was due to the risk of uncontrolled or out-of-control fires, which could evolve into a grass or field fire being too great at the time. Currently, the county has decided to maintain its ban, mainly due to the continued lack of rainfall in the area.
“There just hasn’t been enough rain yet,” Deputy Judge-Executive Richard Newberry said.
Once more rain comes to Mason County, Newberry said there will be discussion to lift the ban; until then, the burn ban stands.
Also keeping its burn ban in effect is Bracken County, with Judge-Executive Tina Teegarden stating the county also did not receive enough rain to warrant lifting the ban.
Once the weekend has passed however, plans to review the status of the ban will take place next Monday, Teegarden said.
For those whose counties still have a burn ban imposed, items and materials that are generally prohibited to burn are,
— Burning of forest, grass, crops, woodlands, marshes or other similar areas.
— Debris or household trash burning.
— Campfires, bonfires and warming fires.
— Open pit cooking and charcoal grilling.
— Use of fireworks and welding may also be prohibited or regulated.
Violation of the burning ban is a misdemeanor punishable by law.
