Kentucky law restricts brush and natural debris burning under KRS 149.400, allowing only natural plant matter to be burned and prohibiting daytime burns near woodland during forest fire hazard seasons.
Under KRS 149.400 and Kentucky Division of Forestry rules, only natural plant matter such as brush, leaves, and woody debris may be openly burned in Kentucky. Burning of garbage, rubber, plastics, treated wood, and other materials is prohibited statewide. During forest fire hazard seasons, brush burning within 150 feet of woodland or dry vegetation is restricted to the hours between 6 PM and 6 AM. Property owners are responsible for ensuring fires are attended, contained, and fully extinguished. The statute applies uniformly statewide and creates a baseline that local jurisdictions may strengthen but not weaken.
Burning prohibited materials or violating hazard-season time restrictions is a Class B misdemeanor under KRS 149.990, with potential fines and liability for damages from escaped fire.
See how Burlington's brush clearance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.