KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — The Kaufman County burn ban was rescinded yesterday morning, October 13, 0214, according to Kaufman County Fire Marshal Randy Richards.
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — The Kaufman County burn ban was rescinded yesterday morning, October 13, 0214, according to Kaufman County Fire Marshal Randy Richards.
The ban was lifted due to recent significant rainfall, current drought index figures, and a 14-day drought prediction index number, Richards stated in a press release. On a scale of zero to 800, zero being no drought and 800 being extreme drought conditions, Kaufman County is currently at 354 with a 14-day drought prediction index number of 410 based on information provided by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Even though Kaufman County has had a good rainfall event over the weekend, groundwater will be soaked up within a few days and strong dry winds will dry up the remaining dead grass, making it easier for a fire to get out of control,” stated Richards.
“We ask that everyone use good judgment and safe practices when conducting outdoor burning,” he said.
The Kaufman County Fire Marshal’s Office offered these suggestions for responsible burning:
Keep brush piles small and manageable.
If possible, use a trash collection service rather than burning it.
Keep campfires small and manageable and completely extinguish the fire before leaving.
Although the burn ban has been lifted, criminal charges can be filed against individuals performing outdoor burning. “Any damage caused by a poorly managed or neglected fire can result in civil liability, and in certain cases, criminal charges,” stated Richards. Those criminal charges range from reckless damage, a class C misdemeanor, to reckless arson, a state jail felony.
When burning, remember only brush, branches, and leaves can be burned on the ground and can only be burned on the property in which the trimmings were produced, according to Richards. “Anything else burned on the ground is illegal and can result in criminal penalties.”
Concering household trash burning, Richards stated, “Common household trash can be burned in a proper container (burn barrel). An extinguishing source, such as a water hose, must reach the area of the burn container, and a screen small enough to prevent sparks from escaping must be placed over the container. When full of burned debris, the container must be taken to a certified landfill for proper disposal. Burying a burn container or trash is considered Illegal Dumping and may result in criminal penalties. All outdoor burning must be attended the entire time that burning is conducted.”
Notify the Kaufman County Fire Marshal’s Office at 469-376-4110 or Kaufman County Dispatch at 972-932-9799 before conducting any outdoor burning.
