The Guadalupe County Commissioners Court on July 21 implemented a ban on outdoor burning that went into effect the same day and will last for 90 days or until the fire danger recedes.

The ban follows a burn ban issued by the Comal County Commissioners Court on July 9.

According to a press release, the decision was made after increasingly dry conditions pushed the Keetch-Byram Drought Index to 551.

Every 100 points of the KBDI is roughly equivalent to an inch of dry soil depth, and the court typically implements a burn ban at 500 points.

Under the restrictions, no open flames are allowed outdoors with the following guidelines:
  • Trash burning, campfires and torches are not allowed.
  • Residents may use a barbecue pit with an open flame for cooking purposes only if the grill has a lid and is set off the ground.
  • Welders are encouraged to use a spotter for any outdoor welding and to keep a water source nearby.
  • Fires related to firefighter training, public utilities, mining operations, agricultural procedures and other government-approved programs are allowed with the proper precautions.
A violation of the burn ban will result in a fine of up to $500.