BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County is among the areas most prone to wildfires in the Kentucky Division of Forestry’s 27-county Morehead branch, forest ranger James “Woody” Thomas told members of the Kiwanis Club on Thursday.
“Martin and Magoffin counties are two of the hottest counties in the Morehead branch,” Thomas said during the club’s luncheon in Inez.
He identified several Martin County trouble spots, including Milo and the Spence Branch area, Emily Creek, Wolf Creek, the hillside behind the Roy F. Collier Community Center in Inez and the area behind Martin County High School.
Thomas discussed Kentucky’s fire hazard seasons, burning restrictions, forest management programs and temporary employment opportunities during wildfire season.
Kentucky has two fire hazard seasons each year. The spring season runs from Feb. 15 through April 30, while the fall season runs from Oct. 1 through Dec. 15.
During those periods, state law prohibits burning within 150 feet of woodland or brushland between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Thomas said county judge-executives and the governor may impose complete burn bans during severe dry spells or wildfire emergencies.
Those who violate burning restrictions may receive verbal or written warnings, citations or bills for the cost of suppressing a fire.
“I’ll give a verbal warning if someone honestly didn’t know,” Thomas said. “A written warning starts a paper trail.”
Suppression charges can include the cost of personnel, vehicles and heavy equipment dispatched to a fire.
“You pay for me, my truck, my dozer, the truck that hauls it, my crew leader, his truck and every individual that fights fire,” he said.
Thomas has seen suppression bills as high as $15,000.
“I wrote one on Milo for $1,800,” he said. “We weren’t there long, and it wasn’t a big fire. But we were there previously, and I wrote him. I don’t mind writing tickets; it’s part of my job and I get paid to do it. But I’d rather be nice and give someone a warning first.”
Thomas, a Lawrence County native who also serves as a constable there, has worked full time for the Division of Forestry for three years. He began as a bulldozer operator in Lawrence County before becoming a crew leader in Johnson County and ultimately a ranger at the Morehead branch.
“I’ve been around fire service my whole life on a few different fire departments, including Inez,” he said.
Thomas emphasized that the Division of Forestry’s work extends beyond wildfire suppression.
“We do more than fight fires,” he said.
Foresters also participate in the Kentucky Forest Stewardship Program, a free initiative that helps private landowners manage timber, improve wildlife habitat, protect water resources and control invasive plants and insects.
Invasive plants affecting Kentucky forests include kudzu, autumn olive and tree of heaven.
Property owners with at least 10 acres may receive a customized forest management plan at no charge. A professional forester evaluates the property’s trees, soil and boundaries before developing the plan.
The program can also connect landowners with federal cost-share opportunities, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Thomas said interested landowners may contact the Division of Forestry’s Morehead field office.
Foresters also perform inspections at timbering sites.
Thomas said the Division of Forestry offers seasonal job opportunities during wildfire seasons. The positions pay $12 per hour, with employees generally working from noon until 8 p.m. or remaining on call when crews are not actively staging for a fire.
“Or if we’re on a fire tonight, I’ll bring them back at 8 a.m.,” he said. “If someone has a full-time job, I’ll work with their schedule. It’s no big deal to me. If you’re willing to come, I’ll put you to work.”
Temporary seasonal firefighters must pass a fitness test requiring them to walk 3 miles in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack.
Thomas said getting experience as a seasonal worker creates an opportunity to fight wildfires in the western United States.
“Someone who does get hired has the opportunity to go out west and make money,” Thomas said. “I’ve been in or through every state out west except North Dakota, Colorado and Utah. I fought fire in Idaho, Nevada and northern California.”
Kentucky Division of Forestry personnel receive enhanced hazard duty retirement benefits.
“It’s a good job,” Thomas said. “We get to retire sooner. … We have good benefits.”
Thomas said his seasonal forestry work and volunteer fire department experience helped him secure a full-time position with the division. A college degree may also improve an applicant’s chances, he said.