HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. — The Harlan County Emergency Management Agency said the county has declared a state of emergency due to forest fires that have caused a significant strain on first responders.
On Tuesday, the Kentucky Division of Forestry confirmed that two active wildfires were both human-caused.
One of the fires, near Yocum Creek Road, is around 1,500 acres in size and was 25% contained as of Wednesday afternoon. Another fire, located near Cranks Creek, was around 150 acres large and was 0% contained as of Wednesday afternoon.
Eight forest fires have occurred in Harlan County since Friday, Nov. 3. In total, 1,464 acres have been affected by the fires and 129 resources have been dispatched, the Kentucky Division of Forestry said.
Two firefighters did sustain non-life-threatening injuries while working, according to Harlan County EMA.
The state of emergency will allow the county to request additional resources from the surrounding area to provide support, Harlan County EMA said.
This story is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more.