Dry conditions and unseasonably warm temperatures have caused a rash of wildfires across Kentucky. Nearly 30,000 acres of forest and grassland have burned in the eastern half of the state.
After an extremely dry September and October, a level one drought has been declared for 117 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.
"We're at a time of year where, generally, we're not as vulnerable to drought because the demand for water decreases as we get into the cool season of the year," State Climatologist Stuart Foster told WKU Public Radio. "Nonetheless, there's a possibility that this could extend through the winter months."
More than 60 counties have issued burn bans as a result of the wildfires and drought conditions. Relief is nowhere in sight in the seven-day forecast.
Crews are battling about 20 fires across the state. The Kentucky National Guard has been conducting aerial water drops. Firefighters hope to get control of the larger fires as temperature drop this weekend.
Governor Matt Bevin declared a state of emergency on November 3.
