KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — Despite recent rains, Kaufman County Fire Marshal Randy Richards says the burn ban remains in full effect and reiterated no outdoor burning is allowed in a press release Monday afternoon.
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — Despite recent rains, Kaufman County Fire Marshal Randy Richards says the burn ban remains in full effect and reiterated no outdoor burning is allowed in a press release Monday afternoon.
Last Thursday, August 20, 2015, parts of Kaufman County received approximately one-half inch of rain. “The recent rains were only a short term relief for a day or two,” stated Richards.
These small spurts of insignificant amounts of rain actually make it more difficult for firefighters to reach grass fires in the rural areas of the county due to limited accessibility for larger trucks and muddy ground in pastures and fields which further limits access for even brush trucks, which are specifically designed to fight these types of fires.
“Firefighters then have to fight the grass fires by walking the fire lines using blowers, 2.5 gallon water extinguishers, brooms and other hand tools,” stated Richards.
“What we want to emphasize to our citizens is that even with the large amount of Spring rains that Kaufman County received, the grass that has died prior to the heavy rains is still dead,” he said.
Richards is also encouraging individuals who are mowing or welding outside to use extreme caution. “Lawn mowers have the potential to start a significant grass fire, either through the exhaust or the blades striking a hard object.”
Richards also said outdoor welders should have one person designated to fire watch with a water extinguisher readily available.
The violation of a burn ban is a class C misdemeanor and can be punishable with a fine up to $500. It is also an arrestable offense, according to Richards.
No outdoor burning is allowed. Cooking on a grill is permitted so long as the grill has a lid, is enclosed, and is used in a non-combustable area.
For further information or questions on the burn ban, contact the Kaufman County Fire Marshal’s Office at (469) 376-4111 or (469) 376-4112.
