October 24, 2024
Countywide burn ban in effect
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Bandera County commissioners unanimously approved a countywide burn ban, effective immediately.
“It’s been a roller coaster all summer,” Fire Marshal Jason Rutherford said.
Today, the Keetch Byram Drought Index (KDBI) registers Bandera County at 618 - the trigger number for fire hazard is 575.
“The RH (Relative Humidity) recovery at night is pretty good, so that’s why fuel moisture is not as volatile…which is good for fire fighting,” Rutherford said. “I’m for a burn ban.”
Rutherford said when the KDBI went over 575, he implemented a no-burn notice through the Sheriff’s Office. He said one grass fire was reported since the no-burn notice was issued.
“A burn ban would not have prevented it, it was accidental,” Rutherford said.
Pct. 3 Commissioner Jack Moseley motioned to approve the ban, which was seconded by Pct. 1 Commissioners Bruce Eliker, “based on the fact that circumstances are dangerous,” County Judge Richard Evans said.
“It’s been a roller coaster all summer,” Fire Marshal Jason Rutherford said.
Today, the Keetch Byram Drought Index (KDBI) registers Bandera County at 618 - the trigger number for fire hazard is 575.
“The RH (Relative Humidity) recovery at night is pretty good, so that’s why fuel moisture is not as volatile…which is good for fire fighting,” Rutherford said. “I’m for a burn ban.”
Rutherford said when the KDBI went over 575, he implemented a no-burn notice through the Sheriff’s Office. He said one grass fire was reported since the no-burn notice was issued.
“A burn ban would not have prevented it, it was accidental,” Rutherford said.
Pct. 3 Commissioner Jack Moseley motioned to approve the ban, which was seconded by Pct. 1 Commissioners Bruce Eliker, “based on the fact that circumstances are dangerous,” County Judge Richard Evans said.