Saturday, May 4, 2024
On July 18, the Hood County Fire Marshal’s Office issued a burn ban for all of Hood County.
‘With the current weather conditions, which include temperature, humidity, winds and the amount of moisture in soil and vegetation, the decision was made to place Hood County under an emergency seven day burn ban,” Jeff Young Fire Marshal said. “Any fires that start now have the potential to spread extremely fast and are difficult to extinguish.”
The burn ban includes any outdoor burning. It also now requires any outdoor welding to be done with a water source on hand as well as a designated person on fire watch.
“Barbecue grills and chimeneas on the pool deck would be okay, but we ask that they take extra precautions to make sure it is completely out, or cold and dark, before they leave it,” Young said.
Young listed some things to be aware of while traveling.
“Keep an eye on trailer tires. Pulling a trailer with a flat can cause sparks that can ignite grass fires along the roadway,” he said. “Also ensure that trailer chains are not dragging as this can cause sparking. If you are a smoker, do not discard smoking materials out the window of your vehicle. Any heat source has the ability to cause grass fires that put people and property in danger.”
According to Texas A&M Parks and Wildlife, 97 counties are currently under a burn ban out of the 254 counties.
On July 25 in Commissioners Court, there will be a discussion of whether or not to put forth a 90 day burn ban.
“The only thing that would prevent the burn barn extension would be a long, soaking rain, which is not predicted in the forecast,” Young said.
A fine for breaking this ban is $500. If you see someone outside burning, please call the fire marshal’s office at 817-579-3335 or visit the office at 401 Deputy Larry Miller Dr. Granbury, TX 76048.
