WINCHESTER, Ky. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service is conducting controlled burns in Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest.
The burns will take place during the next several weeks. They are being used to improve wildlife habitat and reduce the risks of uncontrolled wildfires.
Forest officials say in a news release that controlled burns help promote and maintain native grasses that many wildlife species depend on for food.
In addition, they reduce the amount of debris on the forest floor that can fuel a wildfire.
Controlled burns are only set under certain weather conditions and within specific boundaries that may include roads, streams or constructed fire lines.
Daniel Boone National Forest is a popular recreational area spread across 21 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky. It totals more than 708,000 acres.
