It doesn’t make sense for wildfires to start easily when Kentucky has had such a run of cold, wet weather, but how wet or cold the ground is has little to do with how vulnerable dead grass is to a spark, officials say.

“Despite recent precipitation, fine dead fuels like grass, leaves and twigs are rapidly dried with minimal sunlight and wind,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry. “With only a few hours of sunlight and wind, these fuels can become primed for carrying a wildfire. It is very important that people not develop a false confidence during wet conditions, and take all necessary precautions with any outdoor burning.”

Kentucky designates Feb. 15 through April 20 as Spring forest fire hazard season. During this time, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The law is intended to prevent forest fires by allowing outdoor burning only after 6 p.m. when conditions are less likely to cause a wildfire to spread.

Harsh temperatures mean drier vegetation, making it easier for a fire to start and spread. Even if the ground is so wet you can’t walk without sinking, the vegetation on top of the ground is tinder just waiting for a spark to ignite. The division reports there have been 55 fires burning 1,506 acres since January 1, 2014.

“This law is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent wildfires,” said MacSwords. “Downed trees, branches and leaves from winter storms become ‘forest fuels’ that increase the danger of a forest fire. By adhering to the law and burning after 6 p.m., fires are less likely to escape and threaten people, their property and the forests of Kentucky.

“Of course arsonists don’t pay attention to burning restrictions and a large part of our wildfires are started by arsonists.”

Officials say the best way to stop arsonists from endangering lives and property is for people to call the Target Arson Hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON.

People should contact their local fire department if they have any questions about local restrictions regarding burning.

For more information about the fire hazard seasons, outdoor burning laws and safe burning practices, contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 1-800-866-0555 or go online to: http://forestry.ky.gov.

The Kentucky Division of Forest also offers the following information, including fire restriction most frequently asked questions:

How are fire restrictions determined?

Fire restrictions change throughout the year depending on fire hazards. Fire restrictions can generally be expected during spring and fall fire hazard season.

Fire hazard is determined by the fuel moisture content in the area (the amount of moisture present in the surrounding trees and brush) and by local weather patterns, which include the temperature, the prevailing winds, and the relative humidity.

When restrictions are in effect, campfires and charcoal BBQs are allowed only in designated campgrounds and some day use areas. Only gas stoves and lanterns can be used in the general forest area.

When fire restrictions are in effect, you will see “Fires Banned” signs along the road. Check the bulletin boards at recreational areas and trailheads, and at forest service offices and visitor centers for specific information.

Fire Restrictions and Debris Burning:

You should be aware that, in addition to Daniel Boone National Forest restrictions, other state and local regulations may apply. For example, the Kentucky Division of Forestry has regulations aimed at ensuring a blaze does not spread. The Kentucky Division for Air Quality also may have restrictions in place to protect air quality. Many city and county governments have ordinances regarding outdoor fires.

Before starting a fire, check with your county judge-executive, city government or local fire department about restrictions that apply to your community.

Kentucky counties often implement local burning bans when conditions warrant. The KDF encourages all counties to evaluate local conditions and re-issue local bans if need. Always find out about burning bans in effect. Contact the Kentucky Division of Forestry at 502-564-4496 or your county judge-executive.

Kentucky’s open burning rules allow for some materials to be burned, but many materials are illegal to burn. Illegal burns are subject to a fine of up to $25,000. The rules limit when and where you can burn. A ban on outdoor burning may be issued by your county judge/executive whenever there are drought conditions that result in extraordinary fire danger.

Generally, the things prohibited could be:

* Burning of forest, grass, crops, woodlands, marshes or other similar areas.

* Debris or household trash burning.

* Campfires, bonfires and warming fires.

* Open pit cooking and charcoal grilling.

* Use of fireworks and welding may also be prohibited or regulated.

* Violation of the burning ban is a misdemeanor punishable by law.

What is outdoor burning?

Outdoor burning is burning of household yard waste, such as leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings. It is also burning to clear land of trees, stumps, shrubbery, or other natural vegetation.

Are garbage burning and burn barrels banned?

Garbage burning and burn barrels are not allowed when outdoor burning bans are in effect.

If I can’t burn, what should I do with my yard waste?

Call your local solid waste department to find out what options are available to you. Instead of burning, you could: compost; chip; use curbside pickup; haul to yard waste disposal stations; hold community-wide or neighborhood cleanup days.

What if my community doesn’t have any alternatives to burning?

Call your solid waste department to find out where you can take your yard waste until other options are available.

What’s wrong with burning?

Backyard fires can destroy property. Backyard fires that get out of control set off most of the wildfires caused by people. In 1999, two firefighters were killed fighting a debris fire that got out of control and spread to a nearby forest.

What happens if I keep burning?

You can be fined for each violation. You can also be held responsible for the cost of putting out the fire. This can cost thousands of dollars.

What kinds of burning are still allowed?

The U.S. Forest Service is still allowed to do controlled burning. Controlled burning is allowed because it helps keep our forests healthy. However, it is done under strict guidelines using weather information to make good burning decisions.