FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday declared a state of emergency as wildfires rage on across Eastern Kentucky.
The Kentucky Division of Forestry is coordinating response efforts and says there are 31 active fires being worked on — but that they continue to spread.
About 36 fires are contained, and there are 44 more fires that are labeled “controlled” fires, and those have been managed and are no longer a risk of escaping control lines.
Drought conditions have increased threats of wildfires statewide and predictions for a potential addition of fires across the Commonwealth are possible, according to Kentucky Emergency Management.
Beshear’s executive order allows the state to activate resources, including KEM and the National Guard.
“We are taking action to make sure that Kentucky families and communities have the resources they need,” he said in a press release. “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.”
The executive order also activates the state’s price gouging laws from grossly overpriced goods and services.
In addition to local and state responders, the Division of Forestry and KEM also coordinated assistance from forestry teams from Idaho, Oregon and Utah.
To read his full executive order, head here:
See More
As wildfires rage on in Ky., rescue groups provide survival tips to help animals
Firefighters continue to battle over 60 wildfires across Ky.