Join Our Team !
The division's Campbellsville Branch has several openings for seasonal firefighters this coming fall. If interested contact the Forest Ranger Technician listed for the position or contact the Campbellsville Branch Office at 270-465-5071.
Hardin/Meade/Breckinridge Counties
• Transport Drive/Dozer Operator
• Engine Operator
• Emergency crew members
Contact: Susan Nightingale at 270-206-2059
Casey/Lincoln/Boyle/Washington Counties
• Emergency Crew members
Contact: John Mink at 270-206-8755
Green/Hart/Grayson/Edmonson Counties
• Transport Driver/Dozer Operator
• Emergency crew members
Contact: Belinda Wilkins at 270-206-1894
Wildfire in Breathitt County.
Nearly 34,000 acres of Kentucky's forests now look like this. Mostly because of arson or careless burning. The Kentucky Division of Forestry would like to thank the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources law enforcement officers who are working to build cases to hold those that caused these fires responsible for the destruction of our forests and the cost to the state to put them out. It is not too late to help. Contact law enforcement or the Target Arson Hotline 1-800-27-ARSON if you have any information on person or persons causing a wildfire. You can remain anonymous.
Our Eyes in the Sky
The division contracts pilots to fly and locate wildfires. Our aerial observers are able to locate wildfires and relay their location to the office. They are also able to provide other information to help firefighters with their plan of attack. It is still important that people call 911 to report a wildfire to help us respond as quickly as possible.
Smokey Cheer
Wildfire Prevention is important to the protection of firefighters, the public and our forest resources. While the firefighters were busy working to control wildfires, Smokey paid a visit to Breathitt Elementary School to remind them to prevent wildfires.
Antioch Fire Water Drop
Antioch fire in Pulaski County - It is currently at about 50 acres and is 75% contained. By the end of the day, the Kentucky Division of Forestry expects to have it 90% contained. John Mink is serving as ICT4 on this fire with Tanner Davis as ICT4 Trainee. Two Pulaski County crew members, George Stephens and Brandon Marples are assisting as well. Due to rugged terrain and extreme cliff lines leading down to the lake, John requested additional resources. The U.S. Forest Service-Daniel Boone National Forest responded with two engines, 1 module and 1 Type III helicopter.
The helicopter is currently performing water drops on two cliff lines, one to the northeast and one to the southwest area of the fire. We do not foresee needing the helicopter tomorrow. No structures are immediately threatened and all are outside of our containment lines.
Arkansas Forestry Division has joined the fight. Two bulldozers departed the Kentucky Division of Forestry headquarters this afternoon in route to eastern Kentucky to assist those resources already there working to control wildfires.
Even After it Rains, Obey Fire Restrictions
While we welcome the rain, we're not out of the woods yet folks. With the many active and contained fires, the Kentucky Division of Forestry will need to continue our efforts to control them. We hope the rain will keep people from starting any new fires and slow those that are burning, but the heavy fuels that are burning will continue to do so.
Please remember to be FIREWISE and follow the Fall Fire Hazard Season Restrictions as well as any county-level Burn Bans that are in place. Stay Safe Everyone.
How fast can you cut firewood? I am sure not as fast as Mike Sullivan World Record Holder in the Hotsaw Category. Kentucky Wood Expo
Fire retardant drop on the Henderson Fire, TX
Packaging Seedlings at John P. Rhody Nursery
Kentucky State Forestry Agency The division is also involved in the operation of tree seedling nurseries, urban forestry assistance and forestry education.
