Once again on the agenda, consideration of a burn ban in Brown County by commissioners was tabled, due to the promise of rain.

Commissioner Joel Kelton of Precinct 2 stated that he had “consulted his iPhone and due to the 80% chance of rain on Tuesday, would pass on the matter.

“That’s good with me,” said Commissioner Larry Traweek of precinct 4 who agreed discussion of a burn ban could wait until the next scheduled meeting on February 6th.

Although the area has been and remains in a drought situation, the last burn ban was lifted on October 17th and has since been on the agenda on a weekly basis, again and again postponed by brief rains.

 

December 5th saw weekend rains totaling 4 inches throughout most of the county.  Due to better moisture content in the area than seen in several months, commissioners even allowed fireworks to be used over the New Year’s weekend.

As always, the public is encouraged to alert their fire department if they plan to do a controlled burn and to use care when starting any outdoor fires.

Texas Forest Service offers the following tips if you’re heading outside:

• Obey outdoor burning bans. Don’t build a fire during dry or windy conditions.

• Drive only on designated trails. Don’t park or idle vehicles in dry grass, which can be ignited by contact with a hot muffler.
• When shooting close to the ground, be sure there is no dry grass or tinder in front of your muzzle. Though rare, it’s not impossible for a shot to ignite nearby tinder.
• Use caution with cigarettes and matches.
• Use spark arresters on all power equipment.