The Comal County Commissioners Court has voted to extend the burn ban 90 days past Aug. 10 at 6 a.m. at the recommendation of the Comal County fire marshal due to extreme drought conditions. All outdoor burning in unincorporated areas in Comal County will be prohibited for an additional 90 days.

Fire Marshal Kory Klabunde asked Comal County residents to do their part to protect the community and their property.

"There have been some large fires fairly close to us recently, and I ask our citizens and visitors to exercise extreme caution to prevent fires in Comal County. Please have a spotter and a way to extinguish any fires from welding, cutting or other hot work performed outside," Klabunde said. "Also, please use caution when driving your vehicle. Please check trailer chains so they are not dragging, do not park your vehicle on tall grass, and do not throw cigarettes and other smoldering items out of the vehicle. We are in a severe dry and dangerous situation."

A burn ban cannot extend beyond the 90th day after the date of issue under Local Government Code 357.081(d). Aug. 10 is the 90-day limit of the current burn ban, and the new order will extend the order for an additional 90 days.

For more information about the burn ban and home and property safety tips, contact the Comal County fire marshal's office at 830-643-3748 or visit our website www.mycomalcounty.com.