Critical fire conditions lead to disaster declaration in Comal County

On Aug. 11, Comal County Judge Sherman Krause issued a disaster declaration for Comal County in response to the excessive heat and critical fire weather conditions.

According to a news release, the excessive heat warnings and advisories as well as critical fire and red-flag warnings have been building for almost a month.

County officials said first responders are on the front lines answering the needs of the community during emergencies, and resources are needed to support those efforts and safeguard local residents.

“With the continued heat wave and worsening drought conditions, wildfires are a real danger in Comal County,” Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Kelley said in the news release. “We have a burn ban in place and the extreme conditions have to be taken seriously. There is no relief in sight.”

Comal County Fire Marshal Kory Klabunde said the Keetch-Byram Drought Index rises about 5 points a day. This is the index used to determine wildfire potential. On a scale of 0-800, Comal County’s KBDI is 726.

The disaster declaration will be in effect until Aug. 18 unless the Comal County Commissioners Court can vote to extend the declaration to up to 60 days, according to the news release.

More information on the disaster declaration and how to apply for hot work permits can be found on the fire marshal’s webpage at www.co.comal.tx.us/Fire_Marshal.htm.