With fall wildfire season underway, Gov. Andy Beshear announced more than $922,000 in federal funding to help high-risk areas in Kentucky guard against wildfires through community protection plans.
The funds come from the USDA Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) Program and were awarded to Knox, Lewis, and Powell Counties and the Gateway Area Development District.
“With the fall comes an increased risk of wildfires,” Beshear said. “We’ve recently seen what wildfires can do to communities, and we want to be prepared. While we love hiking and camping this time of year, we need everyone to be careful and protect the nature and wildlife that make Kentucky special.”
From 2021 to 2024, these areas experienced 357 wildfires that burned over 11,000 acres. Dennis Brown, Lewis County Emergency Management Director, said the rugged hills and dense forests make the region vulnerable. “This grant allows us to be proactive in protecting residents, businesses, and natural resources by developing a strong community wildfire protection plan,” he said.
The funding follows warnings from state fire officials that a wet spring created heavy vegetation, which has since dried and become potential fuel for fires.
Grant Awards:
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Knox County: $250,000
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Lewis County: $237,000
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Powell County: $235,000
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Gateway Area Development District: $200,000 (for projects in Morgan, Bath, Rowan, Montgomery, and Menifee counties)
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