Burn Ban Lifted

The Fayette County Commissioners Court lifted the burn ban shortly after 10 a.m. Friday morning, April 17.

At a special meeting Friday morning, Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Angela Hahn reported that the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average for Fayette County had fallen to 367 following the rains last weekend. More rain is expected to arrive this weekend as a cold front approaches.

The Commissioners said they spoke with fire chiefs across the County ahead of the meeting, and none of them were opposed to lifting the ban.

Pct. 2 Commissioner Clint Sternadel urged everyone to call the Sheriff’s Office if they intend to burn, and inform them of your location. This helps prevent unnecessary responses by volunteer firefighters. Residents intending to burn should call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number: (979) 968-5856.

Pct. 1 Constable Billy Roensch suggested waiting until Monday to lift the ban.

“With the weather coming in and the high winds, I wouldn’t lift it until Monday,” Roensch said. “People from Houston, they’re going to start fires and then leave Sunday afternoon. There’s no telling what’s going to happen.”

“Believe me, I understand there is validity in what you say,” said County Judge Dan Mueller. “But us lifting the burn ban doesn’t mean we’re telling people to go burn. It means they have the right to burn. Your comments are well-taken and I don’t disagree a bit.”

The Commissioners ultimately decided to lift the ban immediately on Friday. Please exercise caution when burning.