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KY Wildfires Force State of Emergency
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Gov. Matt Bevin has declared a state of emergency in Kentucky due to dozens of wildfires burning across the eastern part of the state.
Bevin’s office said in a statement that the Kentucky Division of Forestry on Thursday reported 38 active fires that have burned 3,800 acres. Five of the fires are in Harlan County, which requested aid from the state.
The National Guard said in a statement that it has sent three helicopters – two Blackhawks and a Lakota – to areas in Hazard and Harlan. The statement says the Blackhawks will be used to dump water on the fires while the Lakota will provide tactical support.
No injuries or evacuations have been reported, though some schools were closed in Pike County due to smoke.