Fire crews respond to more than a 1000-acre wildfire in Breathitt County

BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - We are following reports of a massive wildfire in Breathitt County.

Officials with the Watts Caney Fire Department said the more than 1000-acre fire has been burning for three days.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry is working to contain the fire.

Thomas Smith, Kentucky Division of Forestry ranger said, “The conditions today are pretty conducive to fire and it’s a red flag day so, but year our handline goes from here well this road down to 1278 and over to mill branch and as of now it’s holding. We had a little trouble down here but that’s what we’re working on.”

People living along highway 1278 said Tuesday night was very scary and they spent the night trying to make sure the fire did not reach their home.

“We were really upset when we saw the fires coming down, so we were really scared,” said Betty Noble, a resident of Breathitt County. “The fire department we called, and we called 911 to come to help us because it was coming down on our house you know. They did come and do the best they could do.”

Both Betty and her granddaughter say they can get through anything together. Just a few months after they lost everything in the flood. They said they fear losing their home a second time.

“We’ve had a rough time but together we survived, didn’t we? God took care of us,” said Noble to her 11-year-old granddaughter.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry was working across Breathitt County to make sure the fire was controlled, but workers said if the wind picks up the fires could pick back up too.

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