The overview
In October, a burn ban was approved by the court due to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index in Guadalupe County being 637.
According to the index, ratings ranging from 600-800 are often associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurrence. The rating system ranges from 0-800.
The original ban was scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. Due to the expiration date, commissioners voted for the extension, moving the expiration date to March 2.
Patrick Pinder, Guadalupe County emergency management coordinator and fire marshal, said the rating as of Dec. 17 was at 593.
What else?
For residents, household trash and domestic waste can be burned in an above-ground enclosure if the operations are in compliance with the following requirements:
- The enclosure must have a metal mesh screen on top that prevents any sparks or embers from exiting the enclosure.
- An individual age 18 or older must be present during all phases of the burning.
- Before beginning any burning, the person performing the burn must notify the Guadalupe County fire marshal or Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office dispatch.
- A water source for extinguishing the fire must be within 10 feet of the location of the enclosure being burned in.
- Surfaces around the enclosure area must be wet down.
- No burning is allowed on days designated as red-flag warning days by the National Weather Service.
A permit is not required for residents burning household trash in an enclosed burn barrel with a cover.
County Judge Kyle Kutscher can work with staff to monitor the weather and determine if the ban could possibly be lifted at some point over the holidays.
If it is lifted, the court can revisit the ban at the Jan. 7 meeting to determine if it needs to be reinstated.
