Spring Fire Season Underway

The Division of Forestry would like to remind Kentuckians that the 2026 Spring fire season is now underway.

The season started on February 15 and will last through April 30.

During this time, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of timberland, except between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. or if the ground is covered with snow.

Kentucky law also requires that any fire must be attended and not left “to burn itself out.”

Officials remind residents that the Spring Fire Season is a “burn restriction” and not a burn ban.  A burn ban can be implemented by local or state officials.  A burn ban prohibits any and all burning during a designated period as established by order or ordinance.  The Fire Spring Season is a restriction that helps ensure that appropriate materials are burned safely.

Although arson is a major cause of forest fires in Kentucky, human negligence also plays a great role.  This is especially true during the spring, when many people burn gardens and fields, trash, brush piles, and weeds too close to the forest, with little regard for safety precautions and weather conditions.

Officials urge anyone with questions to contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry or a local forestry officer.