BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Spring forest fire season continues in Kentucky and West Virginia. The season started Feb. 15 and will run until April 30 in Kentucky. It runs from March 1 until May 31 in West Virginia.

The unseasonable warm weather and high winds have made the forests susceptible to wildfires this year.

During fire seasons, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Before conducting any outdoor burning, citizens should check with their local fire department and county government to find out about restrictions and local ordinances.

Statistics show that the majority of the fires in Kentucky are intently set by arsonists. Many of the remaining fires are found to be the result of individuals that have been burning trash or leaves and the fires have escaped. Very few, if any, are the result of lightning, as in the western United States.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry is mandated by law to “provide for organized fire protection,” according to a statement on its website.

This mandate is carried out through wildland fire detection and suppression and law enforcement by nine districts located throughout the state. The division supplements its fire suppression efforts through cooperation with rural fire departments by providing them with training, equipment and vehicles, the website states.

The division also utilizes Department of Corrections crews and Kentucky National Guard personnel and equipment during fire emergencies. These activities are funded in part by a county assessment of two (2) cents for each timberland acre.

Burning garbage or any other materials, except natural plant matter, such as brush and woody debris, is illegal.