HOPKINS CO., KY (WFIE) -
Hopkins County is now on the growing list of Tri-State counties under a burn ban.
Fire officials say this dry weather has been keeping them busy. They've even had to cancel a big community event.
Recently, the Madisonville Fire Department says they've been putting out multiple fires a day, and one local group had to make a tough decision because of it.
"It's just too dry and the field fires have been a problem here," said Hope 4 Nine team member Bonnie Blanchard.
Blanchard is part of a group that planned a March of Dimes trail ride near the Colonial Farms, but just this past weekend, roughly 25 acres of this land was in flames.
Blanchard says it's just too risky to take over 100 people out on a trail ride.
"We don't want to take a chance on destroying their farm, the farm animals, or just the land itself."
The ban prohibits anyone from lighting an open fire and those who don't comply, will be fined. Madisonville Fire Chief Steve Stoltz says even the smallest spark can start a significant fire.
"Part of our biggest problem is people tossing cigarettes and things out the window. It's getting into mulch, on medians, on the sides of roads and starting fires," said Chief Stoltz.
It took nearly 10 crews to put out the fire this past Saturday and Stoltz says Hopkins County is fortunate to have 14 volunteer departments, especially with this increase in fires.
"of course that spreads the force all over the city and gives us a lot quicker response then we would have if we just had a few departments," Chief Stoltz told 14 News.
Blanchard says she hopes they can reschedule their benefit ride.
"In the event that we do have enough rain that it does make a difference, then we could possibly come up with another date," Blanchard said.
"If we don't get some substantial rain in the near future, it's just going to keep getting worse," noted
It's the county's call as to when this ban is lifted, and it will likely take more than a light shower for that to happen.
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The ban prohibits anyone from lighting an open fire and those who don't comply, will be fined.
