Arson to blame for Pike wildfires

STAFF WRITER

Four major wildfires are burning throughout Pike County, all of which appear to have been intentionally set, despite a burning ban that went into effect last week.

Dexter Conley, district forester for Pike County, said yesterday the largest fire officials are dealing with is located along a ridge between Road Fork and Dix Fork in Sidney. He said the fire was discovered by a smoke patrol plane at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday and will have burned between 1,500 and 2,000 acres before it is extinguished.

Conley explained that the fire was broken into eight different spots along the ridge line, a sign of being intentionally set.

“Anybody who sets something eight times intends for it to burn,” Conley said.

The longest burning of the four fires, Conley said, is one in the Marions Branch area. He said the blaze is a debris fire discovered Friday that was either reset or broke over control lines.

“It looked funny because it was a straight line down the hill,” Conley explained, adding that the Marions Branch blaze will have destroyed approximately 200 acres.

A third fire located in Myra has burned approximately 50 acres, according to Conley. Discovered by plane at approximately 3 p.m. Sunday, Conley said officials believe it appeared to be intentionally set by someone who could only have reached the starting point by riding an all-terrain vehicle at least two miles as the area could not be reached by any other means.

The fourth fire is located in the Winns Branch area of Johns Creek, Conley said. He explained information on the fire is limited, but it was discovered by plane Sunday and was intentionally set near the top of a ridge between Raccoon and the Kellogg’s factory. Conley said the blaze is moving in all directions and no acreage estimate is currently available.

“What were are doing right now, we have brought in crews from last year who are already trained to fight these fires,” Conley said. “It’s not fire season yet [so new crews have not completed training]. We are going to try to train some new members. We’re having this kind of fire activity before the leaves drop.”

Conley further explained that rangers and crews from other districts are coming to Pike County to help with the situation. He said other counties are not having as much activity at Pike County.

More than 30 counties have burning bans in effect due to the severe drought conditions being suffered throughout the state.

Conley said that people who burn debris despite the ban will face a fine of $50 - $500, not more than six months in jail or both, pursuant to KRS 149.990, Section 2.

“We just ask people to be careful and not burn anything,” Conley said. “If anyone sees a fire, they should report it by calling 1-800-866-0048.”