Breckenridge Texan

By Carla McKeown and Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan

With a weather forecast showing high temperatures at 100 degrees or higher for the next week or two, the Stephens County Commissioners voted in a special meeting this morning, July 21, to put a burn ban in place for the county.

County Fire Marshal Malcolm Bufkin addressed the commissioners and said he and the county’s three volunteer fire department chiefs recommend the ban due to the high temperatures and dry grass conditions around the county.

According to the Texas A&M University’s Texas Weather Connection website, Stephens County has an average Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) of 287 (an estimate for July 20), with the maximum being 385 in the southeastern/eastern portions of the county, and the minimum being 199, mostly in the northwest and northcentral portion.  The Texas A&M Forest Service explains that in the 200-400 KBDI range, fuels are beginning to dry and contribute to wildfire intensity. In the 400-600 range, wildfire intensity begins to increase significantly.

The order bans all outdoor burning in the unincorporated area of Stephens County, with a few exceptions; outdoor burning is always banned within the city limits of Breckenridge. The ban will be in place for 90 days, unless lifted by the commissioners.

The National Weather Service shows the high temperatures in Stephens County to be at or near 100 degrees for the next week with no rain in the forecast.

Cutline, top photo: In a special meeting this morning, Stephens County Fire Marshal Malcolm Bufkin, from left, met with Commissioner David Fambro, County Judge Michael Roach, Emergency Management Coordinator David Leonard and Commissioner Will Warren, about the need for a county-wide burn ban. Forecasted high temperatures and dry conditions lead to an increased risk for wildfire. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)