Kentucky’s Spring Wildfire Hazard Season:
Feb. 15 – April 3

During this time, burning is prohibited between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland. The Division of Forestry (KDF) responds to more than 1,000 wildfires annually across the state. March and April are typically high wildfire occurrence months. Last year, 517 wildfires occurred during the 10-week Spring Wildfire Hazard Season.

In Kentucky, 99% of all wildfires are caused by human activity. Arson accounts for more than half, with debris fires being the second leading cause. If a fire escapes from the burning of debris, immediately contact the nearest Division of Forestry field office or a local fire department.

Forestry officials say that extra precautions, especially with debris burning or campfires, can go a long way in reducing wildfires, protecting people, property and the forest.

· Be knowledgeable of all outdoor burning restrictions, including air pollution regulations, restrictions imposed by local ordinances, and county burn bans. The Division for Air Quality has many outdoor burning restrictions. Remember to check state waste management regulations before conducting any outdoor burning.

· Incorporate “Firewise” practices around homes and communities in forested areas. Firewise practices range from creating a defensible space around homes by removing leaves, debris and firewood to ensuring access for safety personnel and equipment in rural or isolated areas. More ideas to Firewise your home can be found here.

· Report suspicion of arson to local law enforcement or the nearest Kentucky State Police post or call the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON.

For more information on ways that you can prevent wildfires and loss of property, along with a map of local KDF field offices, visit https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/Pages/default.aspx

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kentucky, the NWS will conduct a Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday, March 4, at 10:07 AM ET (9:07 AM CT). This year, NWS will again be using live event codes, meaning the message will go over as a Tornado Warning (with lots of TEST wording) and will activate the EAS, but not the WEA (unless local authorities participate in WEA). The NWS hopes that the EAS activation will increase participation, and they are notifying 3rd-party vendors ahead of time to help avoid confusion. If there is a threat of severe weather at the scheduled time, they will postpone the drill to a fair weather day.

**Areas of Northern Kentucky served by NWS Wilmington, OH will receive a Routine Weekly Test per agreement with Cincinnati-area broadcasters.**