One day after Brown County commissioners lifted a burn ban that has been in place for 6 months, there were numerous controlled burns reported throughout the county. As county commissioner Steve Adams suggested in Monday’s Commissioners Court, Tuesday was the day to burn trash and dried grasses while there was a little moisture still around.
Fire officials report that area residents took full advantage of the suspended burn ban to take care of trash, brush, and other items in need of burning for the last 6 months. Four fires however got a little out control according to Brownwood Fire Marshal Buddy Preston and needed assistance of local fire departments.
“There were 55 controlled burns called in by noon today alone, a few of those did get out of hand,” stated Fire Preston.
At least four grass fires Tuesday were attributed to controlled burns that got out of hand. One of which was in Early, on Sendera Drive.
Preston advises caution to anyone who needs to burn.
“With the wind like it is, the sun coming out, the grass was dry by yesterday afternoon,” said Preston. “Although the rain was good, the grass isn’t greening up yet and all the dry fuels are still there. Rain gives a false sense of security.”
Preston stated that the burn ban will be reconsidered on Monday; however, the weekend could see an increase in fires with residents off work and ready to work on burning while they have time.
Caution must be used if you are going to burn anything. Remember the following safety tips:
Prevention messages:
- Don’t burn trash or debris when conditions are dry or windy. Unsafe burning of leaves, brush, household trash and other debris is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in Texas. When burning in a barrel, use a screen on the top.
- Keep lawn mowers and agricultural equipment in proper working condition and avoid rocks and other materials which might cause a spark.
- To report suspicious activities, call the Arson Hotline at (888) 501-3850. If possible, safely obtain an accurate description of the person and/or vehicle (including the license number) before calling the hotline.
- Humans cause more than 90 percent of all wildfires. Do not weld or cut without a spotter, a water source and a shovel.
Statewide, the Texas Forest Service saw little new fire activity today thanks to favorable weather conditions that boosted relative humidity levels and brought small amounts of rain to some areas.
As a result, most of the state is seeing a much needed break from major wildfire activity. The exception is West Texas, which remains critically dry. Firefighters continue to battle a handful of western carryover fires including the Deaton Cole Fire in Val Verde County. Multiple aviation resources were being devoted to the fire after a flare up Tuesday afternoon.
