MANCHESTER, KY - On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, a Curry Branch resident was taken into custody after a reported 65 acre fire had started, allegedly due to the burning off of a garden plot.
Fire has been a continuous and important part of the Kentucky landscape for over 1,000 years, used by Native Americans and early settlers for land clearing and other purposes.
Burning land off before planting has been a part of KY culture for as long as anyone alive today can remember. However, unexpected wind gusts can present problems with control of the blaze.
Elbert Lewis, age 49, of Manchester, KY was arrested by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife after he had allegedly burned an area for a garden and the fire had gotten out of control.
According to a local publication, the fire spread to include a 65 acre area. After arrest, Lewis was transported to the Clay County Detention Center.
Elbert Lewis was charged with:
- SETTING FIRE ON OWN LAND W/O TAKING PRECAUTIONS
- WILLFUL SET FIRE ON LAND NOT OWNED/CONTROL BY SELF
- FIRE HAZARD SSONS:BURNING BEFORE 4:30 PM LOCAL TIM
This individual was lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.
Photo of the accused is courtesy of the Clay County Detention Center.
Knowledge of burning laws and extreme caution is urged anytime burning of any kind is being considered!
