Friday, April 26, 2024
A 90-day ban on outdoor burning is now in effect throughout the county.
The Commissioners Court voted unanimously Tuesday (Jan. 25) to approve the moratorium requested by Fire Marshal Jeff Young.
The action followed an emergency burn ban that was put in effect on Jan. 10 because of drought conditions.
Young said that although a small amount of rain fell in Hood County on Monday, it was not enough to significantly alter conditions conducive to grass fires.
The use of smokers, barbecue grills, Solo Stoves, and chimeneas is fine, the fire marshal said, if they are monitored and extinguished.
“If you’re burning yard debris, then that’s off the table right now,” he stated.
Outdoor welding must be done with a spotter with a water source to stop grass fires.
Although the burn ban is for 90 days, it may not be needed for that long.
“If it turns around and it rains like the dickens next week, we can always go in and rescind it,” Young said.
