The Wilder Fire Department is reminding folks to “learn before you burn” during open burning season.
Open burn season runs from Oct. 1 through April 30.
Burn permit requirements vary by community and fire district. Residents should contact their local fire department before conducting an open burn to determine whether a permit is required and to check for any additional restrictions.
Here are some things residents should know before they burn, according to the Wilder Fire Department.
Know the rules
- Check for active county burn bans before every burn. Do not burn when prohibited.
- During Kentucky’s fall and spring fire hazard seasons, burning in or within 150 feet of woodland or brushland is allowed only between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless a variance/exception applies.
- Burn only natural materials allowed by Kentucky law: dry leaves, straw, natural vegetation, twigs and similar materials. Agricultural and silvicultural land and household rubbish burning have additional restrictions in certain cities.
- Never burn plastics, tires, food waste, painted or treated wood, or other prohibited waste. A burn barrel does not make illegal material legal.
- Do not burn on rented land. Standing burns are limited to two contiguous acres at one time.
- Never smoke land. Clear around the material and make reasonable precautions to prevent fire from spreading to nearby property.
Burn safely
- Avoid windy, drought and Red Flag Warning conditions. A Red Flag Warning is issued when dry conditions, low humidity and strong winds create a heightened risk for fires to start and spread quickly.
- Keep piles small. Clear at least 10 feet of vegetation around the pile.
- Keep clear of buildings, trees, overhead lines and all other utilities.
- Have water, a fire extinguisher and a shovel/rake near the burn site.
- Never leave your fire unattended. Keep children and pets away.
- Drown the fire with water and cool the ashes.
