Burn Ban In Effect

Fayette County Commissioners held an emergency meeting on Friday afternoon, July 20, to implement a county-wide burn ban.

The National Weather Service is forecasting unusually hot and dry weather coupled with gusty winds on Sunday and Monday. Fayette County Emergency Management Coordinator Janet Carrigan said at the meeting that she spoke with all 10 fire chiefs in Fayette County, and they all supported a burn ban.

The ban restricts outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of rural Fayette County. The County Judge's Office released the following statement on Friday concerning the burn ban:

The Fayette County Commissioners' Court in consultation with the chiefs from all ten county Volunteer Fire Departments and the Texas Forest Service encourages all residents and landowners in Fayette County to willingly comply with the burn ban which was put into effect by the Fayette County Commissioners' Court on Friday, July 20, 2018, at 3:04 p.m. Residents are warned to refrain from burning anything in the unincorporated areas of the County, including kitchen trash and brush piles. Fayette County and its residents will be at-risk because of high temperatures and low humidity predicted for the next five days. Burning trash or brush can provide an ignition source for wildfires, which can spread quickly, destroy homes, and worst of all, endanger lives. Bans on outdoor burning have proven to be an excellent fire prevention tool. Keeping a fire from ever starting is the key to preventing wildfires. The burn ban in Fayette County will remain in effect until conditions improve and fire danger has diminished. Fire departments will be called to extinguish all fires, and violators of the burn ban can be subject to a fine. Carelessness with other activities can also result in dangerous wildfires. Residents can help themselves and their local fire departments by taking extra precaution to ensure that their actions don't spark wildfires. 

• Use extreme care when using spark-producing equipment around dry grass;
• Electricity-energized fences should be kept clear of all grass;
• Lubricate farm equipment frequently to reduce the possibility of producing sparks;
• Be careful when towing. Loose chains can cause sparks when dragged on the roadway. Be aware of flat tires - rims can also cause sparks which ignite grass fires;
• Do not litter. Trash adds to the fuel load, and glass lying in direct sunlight can start a fire;  
• Smokers are advised to dispose of smoking materials properly. Use ashtrays and receptacles; many wildfires are started by carelessly discarded cigarette butts and matches;
• Motorists are advised not to drive in or park in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can be a source of ignition;
• Hikers and campers are asked to use burn pits or grill in designated area where, and if, such fires are permitted;
• Dispose of hot coals from barbecue pits by smothering completely with sand or water, and never leave smoldering coals unattended.

Citizens are also asked to use caution when traveling outside Fayette County; our neighbors are experiencing similar fire hazard conditions. At a special-called Fayette County Commissioners' Court meeting on Monday, July 30, 2018, there will be an agenda item revisiting the burn ban for the Commissioners' consideration. For additional information, please contact the Fayette County Judge's office: (979) 968-6469.