HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – On Sept. 12, Hopkinsville Fire Chief Steven Futrell issued a Burn Ban for the City of Hopkinsville due to the extremely dry and potentially hazardous conditions the area is experiencing. Christian County Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam extended the Burn Ban to cover the entire county.
“With current dry conditions, even small fires can spread quickly and become dangerous,” said Futrell. ” This Burn Ban is a proactive measure to protect our community until conditions improve.”
The National Weather Service in Paducah says drought conditions will extend at least through early next week, with above normal temperatures in the 90s predicted for this time of year. Their drought monitor indicates that Christian County is experiencing moderate drought conditions with river levels significantly dropping.
“A prolonged dry period, which started in late July in some areas, has resulted in the rapid development of severe drought conditions,” said The National Weather Service in Paducah. “This is following on the heels of what was one of our wettest starts to the year on record through early July.”
The Burn Ban means all residents within the county are prohibited from conduction open burning of any kind until further notice. Exceptions are allowed only for personal food preparation which includes self-contained backyard grills. However, at this time the ban includes debris burning, bonfires, open fire pits, and campfires.
Violations of the ban can result in fines or other enforcement actions.
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