Wildfire Near Grays Arch

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Kimberly Morgan
859-745-3100

Fire ban issued for Cumberland Ranger District, Red River Gorge
Trails closed due to wildfires

WINCHESTER, Ky., October 8, 2010 – On Friday, Forest Supervisor Frank Beum issued two separate orders. One order banned fire on the Cumberland Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest, including the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Clifty Wilderness and general forest area of Cave Run Lake. Another order closed nearly 12 miles of trail in the Red River Gorge due to wildfires and concern for public safety.

“The fire ban is a result of extremely dry weather conditions in the northern half of the national forest,” said Beum. “The leaf litter and wood debris on the forest ground are exceptionally dry.”

Under the fire ban, no campfires are permitted outside of developed recreation areas. In developed recreation areas, campfires must be attended at all times. The fire must be contained within designated fire rings.

Forest visitors on the Cumberland Ranger District will be allowed to use lanterns and portable stoves for cooking if camping outside a developed recreation area. Charcoal grills and fireworks are prohibited.

Two wildfires are currently burning near the Grays Arch area in the Red River Gorge. Both fires are a result of an escaped campfire. One of these fires is expected to burn up to 400 acres before it can be contained.

“The trail closures were ordered in the interest of visitor safety,” said Beum. “Wildfires are unpredictable. They can change direction quickly and spread rapidly on uphill slopes.”

The closed trail sections include Grays Arch, Rush Ridge, a portion of Rough Trail, and the Pinch-Em Tight section of the Sheltowee Trace. These trails will reopen for public use once the wildfires are contained and fully extinguished.

The fire ban will remain in place until further notice.

For more information, go to http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone