Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued a disaster declaration on April 12, saying current windy and mostly dry conditions in the San Antonio area heighten the risks of wildfires.

According to a county news release, the declaration includes an outdoor burn ban and will stay in effect through April 19. The country fire marshal is expected to address county commissioners court on April 19 to recommend enacting the burn ban, the release said.

Wolff and Chris Lopez, the county fire marshal/emergency management coordinator, decided an emergency declaration would help to encourage residents to protect themselves and their properties.

“In order to issue a burn ban, we have to reach a specific drought level index. Once that condition is met, we have to present the burn ban proclamation to commissioners court for approval,” Lopez said.

Lopez also said recent area wildfires, including the brush fire that burned 3,000-plus acres at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis last weekend, demonstrate that stronger measures must be taken to prevent more fires.

“We came to recognize that appeals and recommendations are no longer enough,” Lopez said.

The release said Bexar County has not had significant rainfall for an extended period, and weather forecasters expect little change for the near future.

Wolff said it is important for all community members to do what they can to be aware of environmental conditions.

“We cannot sit idly by and hope that everybody does their part. With conditions like this, we had to step in and do everything within our means to minimize the fire danger,” he said.

The release said violations of the disaster declaration and its stipulations is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.