Officials said over $922,000 from the USDA Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program is going toward several areas throughout Kentucky to help plan for and reduce wildfire risk.
The Gateway Area Development District, which covers Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan counties, recently received $200,000 from the fund. The money was presented as a check to the mayor of Mount Sterling, Al Botts. He said he is appreciative of the trust and the confidence that has been placed in their Area Development District.
“I represent today a Gateway region that's full of a bunch of proud people, hard-working people, community-minded people who are looking forward to better tomorrows and trying to make their communities better every single day. So, this award will go a long way,” Botts said.
Three other counties, Lewis, Powell, and Knox were also awarded fire disaster funds. Officials said from 2021 to 2024, these areas experienced over 35 wildfires that burned over 11,000 acres.
Emergency Management Director for Lewis County, Dennis Brown, said he is excited to begin this project to build a safer and more resilient Lewis County.
“Our beautiful landscape provides views year-round, but the same rugged hills and dense forest also increase our wildfire risk. This grant will allow us to be proactive in taking steps for our residents, businesses, and natural resources by developing a strong community wildfire protection plan,” Brown said.
Officials added Kentucky emergency directors have had a lot of practice responding to severe weather and other emergencies, taking action locally without the assistance that typically follows major natural disasters.
Officials said they want people to get out and enjoy nature, but to treat it respectfully and be vigilant when a fire is burning. Fire safety and prevention information is available smokybear.com.