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July 23, 2020
Countywide burn ban is on
By Jessica Nohealapa'ahi Goode
The Bandera Prophet
After weeks of record-breaking high temperatures with no rain relief, Bandera County commissioners approved a countywide burn ban this morning.
“The KBDI is 600 today and going up. I think if we do this we may get some rain this weekend,” County Judge Richard Evans said.
Fire Marshal John Stith said allowing burning on 105-degree days places both residents and fire fighters at risk. The KBDI (Keetch Byram Drought Index) values show Bandera County is solidly in the 600-700 range, with 800 being the highest and driest measurement.
“I think we’ve held off for quite a while,” Stith said.
Pct. 4 Commissioner Jordan Rutherford asked if the ban could be lifted after a significant rainfall. Bandera County is in the path of a developing tropical storm which is expected to unload up to two inches or more on Saturday. Evans said he has the authority to lift the ban, but reinstating it would have to a decision of commissioners’ court. Stith said it begins to get confusing if a burn ban falls into an on-and-off pattern.
“You can water dead grass all you want, it’s still going to be dead when the water dries,” Pct. 2 Commissioner Bobby Harris said.
“The KBDI is 600 today and going up. I think if we do this we may get some rain this weekend,” County Judge Richard Evans said.
Fire Marshal John Stith said allowing burning on 105-degree days places both residents and fire fighters at risk. The KBDI (Keetch Byram Drought Index) values show Bandera County is solidly in the 600-700 range, with 800 being the highest and driest measurement.
“I think we’ve held off for quite a while,” Stith said.
Pct. 4 Commissioner Jordan Rutherford asked if the ban could be lifted after a significant rainfall. Bandera County is in the path of a developing tropical storm which is expected to unload up to two inches or more on Saturday. Evans said he has the authority to lift the ban, but reinstating it would have to a decision of commissioners’ court. Stith said it begins to get confusing if a burn ban falls into an on-and-off pattern.
“You can water dead grass all you want, it’s still going to be dead when the water dries,” Pct. 2 Commissioner Bobby Harris said.