Orders issued Friday by city and county officials banned outdoor burning because of dry conditions. The bans are in effect until further notice.
The orders are from Hopkinsville Fire Chief Steven T. Futrell and Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam.
“Due to extremely dry and potentially hazardous conditions, all residents within the city limits are prohibited from conducting open burning of any kind until further notice,” Futrell wrote. “Exceptions are allowed only for personal food preparation using outdoor gas, charcoal, or other self-contained cooking equipment.”
The city ban includes:
- Yard debris burning
- Bonfires
- Open fire pits
- Campfires
“With current dry conditions, even small fires can spread quickly and become dangerous,” Futrell wrote. “This Burn Ban is a proactive measure to protect our community until conditions improve.”
The county ban was issued in coordination with Christian County Emergency Management and the Kentucky Division of Forestry.
“The National Weather Service forecast does not project measurable precipitation in the near term,” Gilliam wrote in an executive order posted to Facebook. “These conditions present an elevated risk of fire, creating a significant threat to life, property, and public safety.”
County residents are urged to use caution with grills, farm equipment and other potential fire hazards.
