The Smith County Commissioners Court issued a burn ban Tuesday, prohibiting all outdoor burning for 90 days unless conditions improve. “Everything is getting really dry,” County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue said. Hogue reported about 50 grass fires from Sept.
23 through Oct. 6. On Monday, a controlled burn that was left unattended damaged two buildings and burned more than 2 acres, he said.
As of Tuesday, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County was at 709. The KBDI ranges from 0 to 800 and is used to determine forest fire potential. Hogue said the humidity is expected to drop this week.
That, in addition to no rain being in sight, the fire danger is increased. Fireworks, fire pits or any form of outdoor burning is prohibited. There are exceptions to the burn ban.
People are still allowed to cook food in a grill or smoker that contains all open flames and have enclosed lids. Professional welding operations are allowed but all welders must notify and register with the Fire Marshal’s Office before welding outside and follow specific guidelines. The order also does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, such as firefighter training; public utility, Texas Department of Transportation operations, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; planting or harvesting agricultural crops; or some prescribed burns.
A violation of the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor, p.