LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency as wildfires spread across portions of eastern Kentucky.
On Thursday, the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) said it's coordinating response efforts to combat at least 31 active fires that continue to spread. Officials said at least 36 fires have been contained.
According to the KDF, there are also 44 fires that are labeled as "controlled fires." These fires have been contained and are no longer at risk of escaping control lines.
Kentucky Emergency Management officials said drought conditions statewide increased the threats of wildfires. In total, more than 20,000 acres of land has been burned, according to the KDF.
Wildfires have been reported in the following counties:
- Bell
- Breathitt
- Floyd
- Harlan
- Knott
- Letcher
- Martin
- Owsley
- Pike
PHOTOS: Wildfires burn across eastern Kentucky
Fire crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Idaho Department of Lands are in Kentucky to assist crews with battling the blazes.
Beshear's state of emergency allows state resources to be moved easily to help protect Kentuckians impacted by the fires.
“We are taking action to make sure that Kentucky families and communities have the resources they need,” the governor said. “We appreciate everyone on the front lines stepping up to fight the fires, and we pray for their safety and that these fires can be put out quickly.”
He also activated the state's price gouging laws so Kentuckians can report it to the Office of the Attorney General. The Disaster Distress Helpline is 1-800-985-5990.
Burn ban in Kentuckiana
As drought conditions continue to impact nearly every portion of Kentucky, some counties in the WHAS11 viewing area have enacted burn bans as a precaution.
Bullitt and Nelson counties are among the several counties under a burn ban as of Friday. Click here for more.
These bans typically prohibit the following:
- Burning of forest, grass, crops, woodlands, marshes or other similar areas.
- Burning of leaves or debris.
- Campfires, bonfires or warming fires.
- Open pit cooking and charcoal grilling.
- Use of fireworks and welding may also be prohibited.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
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