Kentucky environmental attorney Sanders says it is forest fire season again in Kentucky, do your part to keep the forest safe!

Kentucky law designates Feb. 15 through April 30 as spring forest fire hazard season. During this time, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The law is intended to prevent forest fires by allowing outdoor burning only after 6 p.m. when conditions are less likely to cause a wildfire to spread.

To help prevent and reduce the risk of wildfire, the Kentucky Division of Forestry recommends the following guidelines when burning debris or yard waste:

• Clear a safe zone that is wide enough to prevent the escape of fire.
• Keep a supply of water and a rake or shovel readily accessible.
• Do not leave a fire unattended.
• Burn only when the wind is calm and the humidity level is high.
• Extinguish fire completely if conditions become windy.
• Keep burn piles small to allow quick control of the fire if necessary.  
• Locate burn piles an adequate distance from structures and utilities.
• Obey all outdoor burning laws including forest fire laws, air pollution regulations and local ordinances.

Although unsafe debris burning is a significant problem, arson remains the leading cause of wildfire in Kentucky. To help combat this criminal offense, residents are asked to report suspicious acts of arson to the nearest Kentucky State Police post or the Target Arson Hotline at (800) 27-ARSON.