Graves, Caldwell counties join list of burn bans

As the dry weather continues, virtually all western Kentucky counties are now under a local burn ban.

Caldwell and Graves counties were recently added to the lengthy list of counties and communities that continue to enforce burn bans because of the exceedingly dry weather since September.

Burn bans generally prohibit the burning of forest, grass, crops, woodlands, marshes or other similar areas:
Burning leaves or debris;
Campfires, bonfires and warming fires;
Open pit cooking and charcoal grilling.
Use of fireworks and welding may also be prohibited or regulated.

The current list for western Kentucky according to the Energy and Environment Cabinet includes:

Ballard
Caldwell
Calloway
Carlisle
Christian
Crittenden
Fulton
Graves
Hickman
Livingston
Lyon
McCracken
Union

There is also a burn ban in the cities of Murray and Benton.

In southern Illinois, burn bans are in effect for Massac, Pope, Pulaski and Union counties, and the Shawnee National Forest, as well as the city of Vienna.

Kentucky's fall forest fire hazard season started on Oct. 1. Now through Dec. 15, all burning is prohibited within 150 feet of a woodland or brushland between 6 am and 6 pm.

The National Weather Service in Paducah is looking for more dry weather overall for the next week.