Breckenridge Texan

County Commissioners enact burn ban; high winds, thunderstorms in the forecast

County Commissioners enact burn ban; high winds, thunderstorms in the forecast
October 26
14:07 2021

At their meeting on Monday, Oct. 25, the Stephens County Commissioners voted to enact a ban on outdoor burning in Stephens County.

The order, which was signed by County Judge Michael Roach, bans all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county except for activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for (1) firefighter training; (2) public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; or (3) planting or harvesting of agricultural crops; or, (4) burns that are conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048, Natural Resources Code, and meet the standards of Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code.

On the Breckenridge Fire Department Facebook page, Breckenridge Fire Chief Calvin Chaney said, “We are forecasted to have high winds from Tuesday through Friday this week with gusts to 40 mph. If you have previously burned last week, please secure your hot coals or embers as high winds can spread those heat sources to nearby grasses and fuels.”

According to the National Weather Service, Stephens County is expected to experience southerly winds most of the day today, Tuesday, Oct. 26, with showers and thunderstorms beginning in the late evening hours and continuing until early Wednesday, Oct. 27. Some of the storms could be severe with the possibility “of 1-inch hail and a brief tornado or two.” Rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible.

The storms are expected to move eastward, leaving this area with lower temperatures and sunny skies for the rest of the week. However, the windy conditions are forecast to continue through Friday.

The burn ban is officially in effect for 90 days, but the County Judge may rescind the order at any time if a determination is made that the circumstances that required the ban no longer exist.

 


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