On July 12, a burn ban was implemented in the unincorporated areas of Guadalupe County. This ban was set to expire on Oct. 9, but was extended by the Commissioners Court on Sept. 26.

This is an extension of the already existing ban, and no new regulations were added with the extension.

The conditions

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.

According to the order, the burning of untreated lumber, cardboard, packaging, clothing, grass, leaves and branch trimmings, or other items prohibited by State and Federal law may not be conducted at any property.

Those who do not comply with the ban will face a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Since the county is under a disaster declaration, the fine is increased to $1000 until the declaration is lifted.

The disaster declaration is set to continue until Oct. 9. The ban is set to expire on Jan. 8 or when the order is rescinded.