GREENVILLE —
Hunt County could have a burn ban in effect as early as today.
Hunt County commissioners are slated consider a resolution prohibiting outdoor burning this afternoon during a special session of the Commissioners Court.
The item will come before commissioners as 244 of the 254 counties in Texas have burn bans enacted.
According to Richard Hill, homeland security director for Hunt County, the county is one of the last in the state to have a burn ban enacted due to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which is designed specifically for fire potential assessment.
KBDI figures range in 200 point increments depending on fire danger.
“We were in a lot better shape than the rest of the state,” said Hill. “That began to change July 8,” Hill said, noting a string of triple digit heat in the area.
As of Friday, the majority of Hunt County had a KBDI rating of at least 600, which indicates severe drought.
Area counties currently not under a burn ban include Rockwall, Rains, Delta, Lamar and Red River.
The burn ban, if approved, will be in effect for 90 days or until commissioners opt to lift it. The ban will not affect outdoor grilling in containers, firefighter training or work pertaining to public utilities.
The ban will also not affect the planning or harvesting of crops so long as any burned is conducted by a prescribed burn manager according to the Texas Natural Resources Code.
Hill said he will speak with commissioners regarding outdoor welding.
“We do not want to put any undo hardships on people,” said Hill. “We are primarily asking people to postpone their burning of trash and brush piles.”
Violation of the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor and punishable by a fine up to $200.
Local News
July 18, 2011
Burn ban proposed
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