Burn bans are in effect
A Texas Forest Service publication that outlines protection against wildfire is available at Marble Falls Fire Rescue.
County burn bans instituted
By Glynis Crawford Smith
The Highlander
Outdoor burn bans have been enacted by the Burnet County Commissioners Court, July 12, and the Llano County Commissioners Court, July 11, and cities, including Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay have announced the ban, also. Outdoor burning of brush and vegetation is prohibited and the ban remains in effect for 90 days or until rescinded by the respective county judge.
Herb Darling, Burnet County Environmental Services director, said that most cities require burning permits, as it is, and may not issue their own ban announcement.
“If someone calls the Granite Shoals Fire Department for a permit, they will learn we are part of the county ban and permits are suspended,” said Granite Shoals City Secretary Elaine Simpson.
“The county’s placing of the burn ban comes just in time, as Marble Falls Fire Rescue has responded to several small grass fires over the past week and conditions are certain to continue to worsen without any significant rainfall,” said Marble Falls Fire Chief Russell Sander. “The spring rains created an abundance of vegetation which has now dried up due to the lack of rainfall.”
Residents are asked to use caution when using cooking fires, and welding or cutting operations outdoors. Additionally, when pulling a vehicle off the roadway, avoid parking on dry, grassy areas as the hot exhaust can ignite the brush underneath.
Another measure to help minimize the risk of brush fires, especially around residential structures is to clear a minimum area of 30 feet out from buildings, decks or other structures.
In a press release Monday, July 18, Fire Marshal Johnny P. Caraway referred residents to Texas Forest Service guidelines for creating a “Zone One” defensible space around a home. That is, removing all dead or dying vegetation and removing dry leaf litter from the yard, roof and rain gutters. The measure can slow the spread of wildfire and reduce the intensity of fire approaching a home.
“Fire is sneaky and unpredictable,” warns the TFS. “It will find the weakest link into your home.”
For more detailed information and guidance on how to implement personal wildfire protection, residents are invited to pick up a copy of the TFS brochure, “Ready, Set, Go! YOUR PERSONAL WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN” at Marble Falls Fire Rescue, 700 Avenue N in Marble Falls.
For more information, call the station, 830-693-4060.
