UPDATE: Campbell County officially rescinded the burn ban on Wednesday, Oct. 2 due to increased rain. –LINK nky editorial, Oct. 3, 2024
Emergency burn bans have been issued in both Boone and Campbell Counties until further notice due to exceptionally low levels of rainfall and the accompanying increased risk of fire, according to the counties’ fiscal courts.
Boone County’s ban applies to all areas, residents and businesses, including those residing within incorporated city limits.
Campbell County’s ban applies to all outdoor areas.
The details of each ban differ between the counties.
Boone County’s Communications Department distributed an email that outlined what is an isn’t allowed under their burn ban:
- Grills and fires for food preparation are allowed.
- Backyard fire pits with spark screens and/or spark arrestors are allowed.
- Use of legal fireworks is allowed.
- Events, programs or ceremonies may have a small fire if the following requirements are met:
- Fires must be smaller than 5ft x 5ft x 5ft.
- The local fire department grants approval to host the open fire.
- Fires must be made from only clean wood.
- Fires to dispose of solid waste are prohibited.
- A water source must be readily available to extinguish a fire.
- Fires must be at least 150 ft from any structure or wooded area.
Campbell County’s ban is more strict. Outdoor grilling is still allowed, but cooking over an open fire without a grill and all other outdoor open fires are prohibited.
Trash and other debris should be composted or disposed of manually without the use of burn. Caution is advised when using any tools or powered machinery that generate large amounts of heat or sparks, such has chain saws and lawn mowers.
LINK nky will update this story as more information becomes available.