EKB News

State and federal forestry officials say higher than normal winds and hot, dry weather sparked fires which kept them busy over the weekend as they battled 13 blazes in eastern Kentucky. On Saturday, crews were containing one fire near Prater Creek in Floyd County when a second fire, expected to be arson, began on an adjoining ridge. Crews also battled fires in remote areas including Pike County. Parts of the Red River Gorge--from east of KY 77 and north of KY 715 to Gladie Creek--were closed on Sunday and will remain closed as firefighters work to contain a blaze which was expected to burn more than 1,000 acres. The fire was discovered Friday afternoon on the ridge above the Indian Staircase, and officials say it dropped off the cliff and began burning in several different lines. Officials say they're thankful the Red River Gorge fire held at 175 acres on Monday. Seven other mountain fires were reported Monday (today)--three in Pike County, two in Magoffin and one each in Johnson and Floyd counties. With four fires remaining from the weekend, Monday's total was brought to 11 in those four counties.