By TIM THORNBERRY
Kentucky Correspondent

FRANKFORT, Ky. — As luck would have it, the Southeast’s driest month of the year, October, was preceded by a mostly rainless summer that has created drought conditions. But, the dry weather is affecting more than just crops.

Officials in Kentucky and Tennessee are asking people this fire season to be especially careful when it comes to burning anything; in fact, many counties in both states have imposed burning bans.
“Because of the dry conditions and the traditional start of fire season, it’s important that citizens call for a burning permit and follow outdoor burning safety recommendations,” said Tennessee State Forester Steve Scott. “Many areas of the state are very dry, and the permit system helps us communicate to the public when and where it is safe to burn.”

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division of Forestry emphasizes it is important that citizens apply for a permit before burning. Burning permits are free of charge and may be obtained in advance for weekends and holidays. Permit holders should also check for other restrictions in their locale.

Citizens may apply for burning permits by calling their local Division of Forestry.

One of the drier areas of the state is in eastern Tennessee, some of which is in extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The area is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited in the country – but surprisingly, fire danger isn’t as prevalent there even under these dry conditions.
Bob Miller, management assistant with the park, said because of the elevation, much of the forest receives moisture not received in lower areas.

“The elevation really makes a difference and the park has a rugged topography. Even if a fire breaks out, the ridges and streams help to pinch off the fire,” he said.

Miller added that campfires are only allowed in specified areas and arson has not been a problem of late. He also said natural fire occurrences, such as from lightning strikes, are allowed to burn themselves out unless they threaten structures.

The rest of the state hasn’t been as lucky. Earlier this month, Gov. Phil Bredesen requested federal assistance for 11 additional counties due to damage from the drought.

Last month he made a request for 28 counties.

“The lingering drought conditions in these areas have caused farmers to suffer two and sometimes three years in a row of difficult growing seasons,” said Bredesen.

“This type of long-term impact to agriculture makes it doubly hard for farmers to keep farming and make ends meet.”

In Kentucky, 32 counties have imposed outdoor burning bans. To date, more than 1,000 wildland fires have been reported in the state this year, consuming nearly 24,000 acres.

Recent rain that covered much of the area helped, but the rainfall levels are still well below normal, creating not only tough conditions in forest regions but leaving at least one eastern Kentucky county wondering where their next drink of water will come from.

Information released earlier this month from the state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet warned that Magoffin County residents are facing a water supply emergency as their supply continues to diminish. Imminent loss of the primary water source, the Licking River at Salyersville, will substantially decrease the ability of Salyersville Municipal Water to supply its customers.

The press release also reported that state agencies are working with local officials to establish alternate water supply sources.
“It is of prime importance that measures are taken to ensure a safe water supply to the residents of the city and county,” said Guy Delius, director of the Department for Public Health’s Division of Public Health Protection. “Until permanent relief can be provided in this area, everyone must make a concerted effort to conserve water in Magoffin County.”

The county has been under a water shortage warning since Sept. 26. “The current supply available in the Licking River is limited to the amount of water stored in the pool at Salyersville, which will not be replenished until the area receives substantial rain,” said Chris Yeary, supervisor of the Division of Water’s Water Quantity Management Section.

He added there is no anticipation of significant rainfall in the near future that will provide relief for the current situation.

Whether it is low water levels or fire danger, the general public should be aware of changing conditions regarding the dry weather.
“The public is a very important partner in helping us reduce the impact of wildland fire, by respecting state and local restrictions, using common sense when conducting debris burning and by reporting suspicious activity that may be related to arson,” said Scott.

“It’s also very important for the homeowner to recognize that they carry the first line of responsibility for the protection of their home before a fire threatens it.”

For more information about fire prevention and conditions, visit  www .BurnSafeTN.org or www.forestry.ky.gov/situationreport