Comal County reinstates burn ban due to elevated fire risk

The Comal County Commissioners Court approved an order prohibiting all outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Comal County, effective Aug. 23 at 6 a.m.

The overview

The decision to reinstate the burn ban comes as the Keetch-Byram Drought Index averages 558, with expected increases due to ongoing high temperatures and dry conditions. The ban aims to prevent potential fire hazards as the county faces an elevated risk of wildfires.

"These 100-and-some-odd-degree days are not helping us in any way, shape or form," said Comal County Fire Marshal Kory Klabunde during the court session.

The details

The burn ban enforces several restrictions to reduce fire risks. The following activities are prohibited, according to the Comal County website:

• Campfires
• Chimineas, fire pits or fire rings
• Bonfires
• Burn piles
• Burning household waste, unless in a container that contains all sparks and flames
• Burning nonwood construction materials, such as rubber, plastics and treated lumber

Outdoor grilling is allowed only with barbecue pits that have lids to contain all sparks and flames.

Violating the burn ban can lead to fines ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 under Section 7.177 of the Water Code.