STAFF REPORT
The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday reaffirmed that a ban against burning in Hays County remains lifted – for the time being. County Judge Bert Cobb noted that while the outdoor burning of brush and debris is still legal, citizens needing to do so should plan to burn soon and with care.
“With highs in the 90s and fewer chances of rain as we approach summer, we expect we’ll have to reinstate the burn ban soon,” Cobb said in a news release. “If you have burning that you need to do, do it soon and be extremely careful. If you are burning a large amount of brush, advise your local fire department (not the Sheriff’s Office) as a precaution and as a courtesy, tell your neighbors.”
Fire Marshal Mark Chambers echoed the judge’s concern. “In addition to the drought index, fire safety officials look at wind conditions and number of responses to out-of-control burns to determine when a ban should be in place,” he said in the release. “While the drought index is currently low – in the low 100s – as the dryness continues it can rise rapidly to the danger zone of 500. Fire officials in the county look daily at whether a burn ban should be in place and the county judge has the authority to reinstate the ban on their advice.”
Chambers noted that when in force a burn ban typically exempts charcoal and gas grills in approved, lidded containers, but burning in “burn barrels” (even ones with screens on the top) is not allowed.
Information about outdoor burning, the drought index and fire safety is available by visiting the county website at www.co.hays.tx.us and choosing Fire Marshal from the Law Enforcement drop-down.
