Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency as numerous wildfires have been identified across the state, especially in eastern Kentucky.
The Kentucky Division of Forestry is coordinating response efforts and reports there are 31 active fires that are currently being worked, but that continue to spread, and 36 contained fires (those that have containment lines stopping their spread but require some level of action).
There are also 44 fires labeled controlled fires, which are those that have been managed and are no longer a risk of escaping control lines.
A fire in Knox County, labeled the Alex Creek Road Fire, has scorched 2,500 acres. In total, there were 77 fires reported in Knox County this week, with many of the fires thought to be intentionally set, according to the Kentucky Division of Forestry.
According to Kentucky Emergency Management, drought conditions have increased threats of wildfires statewide. Weather forecasts predict a potential for additional fires across the commonwealth.
The governor’s executive order allows the state to activate state resources, including Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard, as needed to help protect Kentucky families and communities. The state’s Emergency Operations Center has also been activated to Level 4.
“We are taking action to make sure that Kentucky families and communities have the resources they need,” Beshear said. “We appreciate everyone on the front lines stepping up to fight the fires, and we pray for their safety and that these fires can be put out quickly.”
The governor also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers will be held accountable.
In addition to local and state responders, the Division of Forestry and Kentucky Emergency Management have coordinated assistance from forestry teams from Idaho, Oregon and Utah.
Click here to view the current details available to Kentucky Emergency Management on where the most active fires have been reported and where local states of emergency have been declared.
Kentuckians should visit ready.gov/wildfires to prepare for wildfires and learn how to make a plan to stay safe.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, year-round, confidential crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders and anyone in the U.S. struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster.
(Photo: Wildfire burning near Appalachian Regional Hospital in Hazard, courtesy of Kentucky Division of Forestry)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
