Fires continue to burn in Eastern Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- More than 2,000 firefighters were battling 41 fires that have blackened over 6,900 acres Saturday in Kentucky, said Jennifer Turner, a spokeswoman for the state Division of Forestry.

Since Oct. 30, fire crews have battled hundreds of fires that have burned more than 117,613 acres statewide. Arsonists started 80 percent of the fires, she said.

"It's been really dry throughout Kentucky, but we haven't had much wind," said Turner. "Combine strong winds with our dry conditions and it could have been a whole lot worse."

The National Weather Service predicts showers across part of the state Monday. Kentucky has gone for more than three weeks without significant rainfall.

The largest fires are located in Pike County, 2.737 acres, Rob Fork, 1,800 acres and Pompey branch, 1,325 acres. Forty-five counties continue to have outdoor burning bans in place, she said.

The Kentucky National Guard continues to provide air and ground support. Resources from Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi are also assisting rural fire departments throughout the state.

Authorities said two adults have been arrested and four juveniles are under investigation in Clay County, which is located in southeast Kentucky. Turner said the six individuals are suspected of being responsible for as many as 10 fires.

Three additional arrests were made in Knox County and Perry County, she said.