WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY | Dry Weather Means Conditions Ripe For Forest Fires

Dry Weather Means Conditions Ripe For Forest Fires

By Justin Wilfon

(LOUISVILLE, September 29th, 2004, 4 p.m.) -- The Kentucky fire hazard season officially starts Friday, and with the recent drought, officials fear it could be especially dangerous this year. And as WAVE 3's Justin Wilfon reports, local fire departments are on guard.

The Fairdale Fire department has a new toy: an all-terrain firefighting vehicle that can go just about anywhere, including brush and forest fires.

"It doesn't replace the firefighters, it just helps them do their job," said Fairdale Fire Chief, Don Wittry.

Wittry and other officials are worried that the driest September on record could increase the likelihood of wildfires. "If conditions are right, we we could have some serious problems on our hands this fall."

The ongoing drought plus falling leaves could equal a busy fire season, but Wittry says that's not how the season started. "Earlier in the year, it seemed like it was going to be a wet season for us, and now it's turned into a drought season."

The Kentucky Division of Forestry tells WAVE 3 News the fire danger in this part of the state is higher than normal. 

"The fall time, when the leaves are falling, that builds up a blanket on the ground of forest areas, and unless it's wet or dampened every so often with rain, that can be a potential problem," Wittry said.

Of course, Wittry says forests aren't the only places ripe for a flash fire. He says fires can be started by anyone, anywhere. "It's people who are careless with cigarettes, or it is people careless with burning trash or debris around their yard."

Local residents who do want to burn trash or other debris must first be issues a permit. "The ordinances in Jefferson County prohibit open burning without permits. said Wittry. "Permits mean they've been inspected and checked out, and it's a safe situation for everyone around them."

Wittry says it's an easy process. "If you're planning on having a campfire or cooking fire as a recreational setting, call your local fire department, get with the inspectors, and have them come out and make sure it's a safe situation."

Wittry says he's confident everyone can do their part -- he's just hoping Mother Nature will do hers. "We have had patterns where they were this dry for extended periods of time. We just hope for the best and prepare for the worst."

The fire hazard season begins Friday, October 1st. Until it's over, burning within 150 feet of a forest or brush land is illegal from  6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Online Reporter: Justin Wilfon

Online Producer: Michael Dever