Major wildfires are currently sweeping through Southern states including Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, causing officials to declare states of emergency and evacuations in some areas. Here in Kentucky, 210 wildfires have been recorded since October, many of which are being credited not only to drought but also, sadly, to arson.
In an open letter released on Friday, Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Charles Snavely reported that fires have ravaged over 33,000 acres in Kentucky and have damaged five counties including the southeastern communities of Harlan, Knox, Clay, Perry, and Letcher. In total, 72 counties across the state have issued burn bans.
Josh Sewell/YouTube
As of Friday, Nov. 11, the Kentucky Division of Forestry was managing 25 active fires and had almost 400 personnel deployed. The most troubling part of the whole thing is that many of the fires were started on purpose by arsonists. In fact, two arrests have been made in connection with the fires.
Land Between the Lakes/Flickr
21-year-old and wannabe meteorologist Johnny Mullins of Kentucky was recently arrested in connection with the arson and admitted to setting fires in efforts to draw attention to videos he posted on his Facebook page. “[Mullins] likes to do Facebook videos and have people follow him on his ‘weather forecast,’” Jenkins Police Chief James Stephens told the Associated Press. “He enjoyed the attention he got from the Facebook stuff.” Another teenager was also apprehended in connection with the fires. Of the 210 fires that have cropped up since October, 150 (or roughly 76 percent) are thought to be connected with arson.
Letcher County Jail
On Nov. 3, Kentucky, Gov. Matt Bevin declared a state of emergency and urged residents to abide by all burn bans and fire-hazard burning restrictions. He also encouraged residents to be extra cautious when visiting areas that have recently been afflicted by the fires. Smoke from fires is also troublesome and is causing problems in much of the southeastern Kentucky area. Two schools in McCreary County were completely suffocated by the smoke and were closed this week.
Josh Sewell/YouTube
Crews are continuing to work to control the flames but urge the public’s help to prevent additional outbreaks. Below, you’ll find the current burn bans issued by the Kentucky Division of Forestry as of Nov. 14.
Kentucky Division of Forestry/Facebook
These fires are no joke and thinking about what they’ve done to southeastern Kentucky is a scary thought. Here’s another glimpse at some of the damage that’s happening in Jackson, KY in particular:
Josh Sewell/YouTube
Land Between the Lakes/Flickr
Letcher County Jail
Kentucky Division of Forestry/Facebook
Have you experienced these fires first hand? Shares your thoughts and comments with us below.
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