Allegedly set a backfire endangering firefighters

Contact: Gwen Holt or Jennifer Turner 502-564-4496

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 4, 2006) -- Dorsey McGlone, of Carter City in Carter Co., was arrested today by Kentucky State Police and the Carter County sheriff’s office and charged with wanton endangerment in connection with a wildland fire that endangered forestry firefighters. 

McGlone allegedly set a backfire below where firefighters were battling a wildfire. He is also charged with illegal backfiring, violation of a county burning ban, failure to take proper precautions and burning before 6 p.m.   

“Our firefighters are already in a great deal of danger fighting wildfires and having a backfire set below them increases their danger tenfold,” said Leah MacSwords, director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry. “Before any citizens conduct any outdoor burning they should contact the Division for Air Quality.”       

The number of wildfires has dramatically increased over the last week.

During the Spring Forest Fire Season, which began Feb. 15 - April 30, it is illegal for any person to burn between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Forestry officials say that during these dry conditions outdoor burning of any kind is dangerous and often illegal.