Calloway County launches tobacco barn registry to reduce false fire alarms

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CALLOWAY COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — Calloway County E-911 is asking farmers to register tobacco barns in an effort to reduce false fire alarms during tobacco curing season and provide first responders with better information during emergencies.

According to the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, smoke produced during the dark-fired tobacco curing process can sometimes be mistaken for a structure fire, prompting unnecessary calls to emergency services.

The new tobacco barn registry will allow farmers to provide E-911 with the location of their barns, information about ventilation systems and contact information. Emergency dispatchers and first responders can then use those details to determine whether reported smoke may be associated with normal tobacco curing operations.

The effort is being led by E-911’s Fiona Branham and is intended to reduce confusion and help emergency crews respond more efficiently.

Barns that are not located on residential property can also be assigned a 911 address through the program. Officials said having an established address can help first responders quickly locate a barn if an actual emergency occurs.

Registration forms are available through the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office and on the Calloway County government website.

Officials said information submitted to the registry will remain confidential and will only be used by emergency services.