Fire Restrictions and Closures

You should be aware that, in addition to Daniel Boone National Forest restrictions, other state and local regulations may apply. For example, the Kentucky Division of Forestry has regulations aimed at ensuring a blaze does not spread. The Kentucky Division For Air Quality also may have restrictions in place to protect air quality. Many city and county governments have ordinances regarding outdoor fires.

Before starting a fire, check with your county judge-executive or city government about restrictions that apply to your community.

10/20/2010: Cumberland Ranger District has fire restrictions in effect. No campfires are permitted outside of developed recreation areas. In developed recreation areas, campfires must be attended at all times. The fire must be contained within designated fire rings. Lanterns and portable stoves are permitted for cooking if camping outside a developed recreation area. Charcoal grills and fireworks are prohibited.

News Release

Supervisor's Order for Red River Gorge

Supervisor's Order for Cave Run Lake

Supervisors Order, Trail closure in Red River Gorge

Trail closer flyer with map (pdf)

Restrictions flyer (pdf)

Kentucky counties often implement local burning bans when conditions warrant. The KDF encourages all counties to evaluate local conditions and reissue local bans if needed.

ALWAYS find out about burning bans in effect. Contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at (502) 564-4496 or your county judge-executive.

As per KRS 149.400, the Kentucky Division of Forestry is responsible for enforcing forest fire hazard seasons. Kentucky's forest fire hazard seasons are Feb. 15 through April 30 and Oct. 1 through Dec. 15. During forest fire seasons, it is illegal to burn anything between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.

The Kentucky Division For Air Quality

Kentucky's open burning rules allow for some materials to be burned, but many materials are illegal to burn. Illegal burns are subject to a fine of up to $25,000. The rules limit when and where you can burn.

Another source of information is the Kentucky Division for Air Quality regional office.

A ban on outdoor burning may be issued by your county whenever there are drought conditions that result in extraordinary fire danger.

Outdoor burning is burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It is also burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.

Garbage burning and burn barrels are not allowed when outdoor burning bans are in effect.

Call your local solid waste department to find out what options are available to you. Instead of burning, you could:
• Compost
• Chip
• Use curbside pickup
• Haul to yard waste disposal stations
• Hold community-wide or neighborhood cleanup days

Call your solid waste department to find out where you can take your yard waste until other options are available.

Backyard fires can destroy property. Backyard fires that get out of control set off most of the wildfires caused by people. In 1999, two firefighters were killed fighting a debris fire that got out of control and spread to the nearby forest.

You can be fined for each violation. You can also be held responsible for the cost of putting out the fire. This can cost thousands of dollars.

The U.S. Forest Service is still allowed to do prescribed burning. Prescribed burning is allowed because it helps keep our forests healthy. However, it is done under strict guidelines using weather information to make good burning decisions.

Wildfire Information: Restrictions and Closures