Judge Gabbard Issues and Rescinds Executive Order Banning All Open Burning (Seasonal Burn Ban Still in Effect)

 Judge Gabbard issued Executive Order #03122025 on March 12, 2025, that banned "any and all open burning in Jackson County." Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 149.401 provides that the County Judge Executive may authorize the implementation of an open burning ban during fire hazard periods.

The County Judge and the Fire Chiefs of the various Jackson County Fire Departments have determined that a fire hazard currently exists. The ban would remain in effect until Jackson County receives enough rainfall to alleviate the fire hazard.

On March 17, 2025, Judge Gabbard rescinded his executive order. Executive Order #031725 stated, "Due to current and predicted weather conditions, and with sufficient rainfall having been received, the extreme fire hazards and danger of forest fires in Jackson County have been abated." Therefore, the previous executive order that banned all outdoor burning in Jackson County was lifted.

However, all citizens were reminded that during Kentucky's fire hazard seasons (February 15 to April 30 and October 1 to December 15), in compliance with KRS 149.400, outdoor burning within 150 feet of any woodland or brush land is limited to between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Fire Hazard Seasons:
Kentucky has two fire hazard seasons: spring (February 15 to April 30) and fall (October 1 to December 15).

Restrictions:
During these seasons, burning within 150 feet of any woodland, brushland, or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials is restricted to the evening hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Statute:
This is governed by Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 149.400.

County Burn Bans:
County judges can issue burn bans, which are enforced with assistance from local law enforcement and are generally more restrictive than the state regulations.

Violations:
Violating a burning ban is a misdemeanor punishable by law and could result in fines up to $25,000 per day per violation.

Exceptions:
An exception to the burning restrictions is made if the ground is covered with snow.