There’s a new red flag warning for outdoor burns. Is it still safe to have bonfires?

Aaron Mudd

Fayette County may have let its burn ban expire earlier this week, but the National Weather Service issued another red flag warning Thursday advising against outdoor burning.

So between the high winds and low humidity expected to last until at least Thursday, Oct. 27, is it safe to take in the autumn evenings around your backyard firepit or bonfire?

“With caution under these parameters, you’re free to enjoy campfires and bonfires,” Fayette County Fire Marshal Jeffrey Johnson told the Lexington Herald-Leader in an interview Wednesday. “Just use wisdom.”

If you’re planning to do any burning outdoors this time of year, here’s what to keep in mind to stay safe and avoid setting off a backyard blaze.

Be aware of burn bans and fire conditions in your area

October is the beginning of Kentucky’s fall wildfire hazard season, bringing outdoor burning restrictions to the state.

Johnson noted that burn bans are relatively infrequent in Fayette County. It’s been three years since the county experienced its last burn ban, back in September of 2019, he said.

Still, a statewide ban is active during the day every fall from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15 and spring from Feb. 15 to April 30 to help deter wildfires.

The state’s outdoor burning law prohibits burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (prevailing local time) if the fire is within 150 feet of any woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass or other flammable material.

“With Kentuckians heavily impacted by natural disasters over the last nine months, the division will continue to work hard to protect our fellow citizens and wildlife,” said Brandon Howard, Kentucky’s State Forester and Director of the Division of Forestry, in a state news release. “We ask that if debris burning occurs, take proper precautions to prevent fires from escaping and becoming wildfires.”

The Division of Forestry responds to more than 1,000 wildfires annually across the state, the release said. Studies show that 99% of all wildfires in Kentucky are from human activity, and arsonists start over half of the wildfires. The second leading cause is debris fires that escape.

Take precautions to avoid wildfires

Johnson recommends the following if you’ll be burning outdoors this autumn:

  • Build your backyard bonfire no bigger than 3 feet wide and situate it at least 25 feet from any structure. Make sure it’s not under any tree limbs or power lines.

  • Burn only firewood. Do not burn any trash, plywood, broken furniture with paint on it or leaves.

  • Use a spark arrestor for your firepit to stop sparks and embers that could be carried aloft on the wind.

  • Open burning is generally prohibited anywhere in Fayette County, barring a few exceptions. Even if you’re in a rural area of the county, you still need a burn permit. You can apply for a burn permit online.

  • If your home has a fireplace, follow manufacturers’ recommendations. Johnson adds it’s also always a good idea to get an inspection from a professional. Build-up in the chimney can catch fire, and if there’s a crack in the mortar, fire can catch and spread in your roof without you knowing.

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