The ban was approved by the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court on July 11 due to circumstances creating a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning, according to the order.
The conditions
The ban does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. Exemptions are also given to agriculture land-clearing businesses and businesses that perform welding.
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.
Should residents receive an exemption, burning can only take place one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, and when winds are predicted to be between 6-23 miles per hour.
Those who do not comply with the ban will face a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
According to the order, the ban will expire Oct. 9 or when the order is rescinded.
