KRS 149.400: Fire hazard seasons -- Fires prohibited -- Exceptions.

(1) The periods commencing on February 15 and ending on April 30 and commencing

on October 1 and ending on December 15 of each year are hereby declared to be and

established as the fire hazard seasons. During the fire hazard seasons, even though

the precautions required by KRS 149.375 shall have been taken, it shall be unlawful

for any person to set fire to, or to procure another to set fire to, any flammable

material capable of spreading fire, located in or within one hundred fifty feet (150')

of any woodland or brushland, except between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.,

prevailing local time, or when the ground is covered with snow.

(2) This section shall not apply to fires which may be set for the purpose of burning

plant beds.

(3) This section shall not apply to fires which may be set by competent and qualified

employees of railroad, utility, or pipeline companies in connection with the

construction, operation, or maintenance of railroads, pipelines, powerlines, or other

projects in the public interest on rights-of-way used for such railroads, pipelines,

powerlines, or other projects, and such fires shall be attended at all times and be

extinguished before the employees of such railroad, utility, or pipeline companies

leave the vicinity of the fire.

(4) This section shall not apply to fires set by trained and qualified employees of a state

government agency on land owned by the state or leased or managed by the state

under a written agreement with the landowner and set for the specific purpose of

wildlife o r plant habitat improvement, ecological site restoration, site preparation

for natural or artificial regeneration or fuel reduction. Nongovernmental

organizations and other governmental agencies may apply to the Division of

Forestry for written approval to set fires under this subsection. Fires set under this

subsection shall be in accordance with KRS 149.375. Persons who set such fires

shall give written notification of the burn to the local Division of Forestry district

office at least twenty -four (24) ho urs in advance and obtain the approval of the

district office.