Knott County Emergency Management

05/24/2026

05/22/2026

As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, let us never forget the true meaning of this holiday. We honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives defending our freedom and our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Whether you are spending time with family, attending a service, traveling, or enjoying the long weekend, please take a moment to reflect on those heroes and the families they left behind.

Wishing everyone a safe and blessed Memorial Day Weekend. God Bless our Veterans, our Active Military, and the United States of America 🇺🇸

04/28/2026

🔥 Burn Ban Update for Knott County 🔥

Today at 6:00 PM, the Knott County Burn Ban will be officially lifted. Residents may burn between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Please continue to use good judgment—if conditions become dry again or winds pick up, we strongly encourage you to hold off on burning during those times.

We also want to recognize and thank our Fire Departments for their nonstop efforts throughout fire season. Their hard work and dedication have helped protect lives, property, and our community as a whole.

Stay safe and be responsible!

04/22/2026

⚠️ SCAM ALERT ⚠️

We’ve received several reports of suspicious text messages circulating in our area. After speaking with Kentucky State Police, this has been confirmed as a scam.

If you receive a message like this:❌ Do NOT respond❌ Do NOT click any links❌ Do NOT share personal information

These scammers are trying to trick people into giving away sensitive information. Please stay alert and help spread the word to protect others in our community.

If you’re unsure about a message, it’s always best to ignore it or report it to local authorities.

04/18/2026

🦃 Opening Day of Turkey Season – Hunt Smart, Hunt Safe 🦃

From all of us at the Knott County Emergency Management, Good luck to everyone heading out for turkey season! Opening day is always exciting, but safety should be your #1 priority.🔶 Always positively identify your target — never shoot at movement or sound.🔶 Be aware of your surroundings — know where other hunters may be located.🔶 Use proper firearm safety — keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction and finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.🔶 Avoid wearing red, white, or blue — these colors can resemble a turkey’s head.🔶 Let someone know your location and expected return time.

Respect fellow hunters, respect the land, and make it home safe.

Have a great season and stay safe out there! 🌲🦃

04/17/2026

🚫🔥 NO BURN BAN IN EFFECT 🔥🚫
Reminder Knott County is in a No Burn Ban until further notice.

With dry and windy conditions, several surrounding counties are currently battling active fires. These conditions make it extremely dangerous for any outdoor burning.

We ask everyone to do their part to help prevent wildfires and keep our community safe.

Thank you for helping protect Knott County! 🙏

04/17/2026

HWY 160 N IN HINDMAN TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
(KYTC) District 12 advises motorists of upcoming traffic pattern changes
at the intersection of KY 80 (Hal Rogers Parkway) and KY 160 in Knott
County as part of an ongoing pavement improvement project.

Beginning Monday, April 20, KY 160 North (near Double Kwik) will be
closed to all traffic at the intersection with KY 80 to allow crews to
continue concrete pavement replacement. During this time, motorists will
not be able to access KY 160 North from KY 160 South or from KY 80 in
either direction.

The closure is expected to last approximately 7 to 10 days, with work
scheduled through April 29, weather permitting.

Current traffic control measures will remain in place along KY 80,
including the closure of the westbound slow lane and shoulder to
maintain a safe work zone.

Crews will be working Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with
Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Some overnight work may occur to
help expedite the project timeline.

Motorists should expect to see barricades, barrels, signage, and
occasional flagging operations throughout the work zone.

While an official detour will not be posted, local traffic may access KY
160 North via KY 1087 off KY 80. However, tractor-trailer traffic is
_strongly discouraged_ from using this route due to narrow roadways and
sharp curves.

This work is part of a larger project to replace asphalt with
longer-lasting concrete pavement at the intersection, which will help
reduce rutting and improve long-term durability in this high-traffic
area.

KYTC has coordinated with local agencies, including the school bus
garage and Mountain Comprehensive Care, to minimize disruptions.

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use
caution in the work zone.

04/16/2026

⚠️ Caution Notice – Elm Rock (Decoy Area) ⚠️

Due to ongoing forest fires near Elm Rock (Decoy), smoke is causing low visibility and there is falling debris along the roadway.

First responders, AEP crews, Forestry Service, and State Highway workers are actively working in the area.

If you must travel through this area, please use extreme caution and be alert for emergency personnel and hazards.

Your safety is our top priority—please slow down and stay aware.

04/15/2026

⚠️ Caution Notice – Big Branch Community (Knott County) ⚠️

Please use extra caution if traveling on KY 1231 in the Big Branch area. We currently have multiple search teams in the woods assisting in the search for missing Sean Risner.

For everyone’s safety, please slow down, stay alert, and avoid the area if possible to allow responders to work efficiently.

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we continue this effort

04/13/2026

🚫🔥 NO BURN BAN IN EFFECT 🔥🚫

Effective at midnight, Knott County will begin a No Burn Ban until further notice.

With dry and windy conditions, several surrounding counties are currently battling active fires. These conditions make it extremely dangerous for any outdoor burning.

We ask everyone to do their part to help prevent wildfires and keep our community safe.

Thank you for helping protect Knott County! 🙏