Hill County Judge Justin Lewis announced Tuesday, October 15, that Hill County has been placed under a disaster burn ban.
Judge Lewis said that firefighters have responded to at least 32 grass fires in October, and the county’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index has surpassed 575, indicating dry conditions.
The county KBDI average as of Sunday, October 20, was 595. The drought index ranges from 0 to 800, where a drought index of 0 represents no moisture depletion, and an index of 800 represents absolutely dry conditions.
Governor Greg Abbott included Hill County in a wildfire disaster proclamation last week, citing elevated fire weather conditions that pose an imminent threat of widespread damage.
Lewis said that he consulted with Emergency Services District 1 prior to issuing the ban, and fire officials agreed that it was needed.
The order prohibits all outdoor fires — even those contained in a barrel or hopper — but does not include grills used to cook food, as long as they are attended. It also prohibits the use of welders and cutting torches unless an adequate fire extinguisher and fire monitor are on hand. Visit http://www.co.hill.tx.us to see the full order.
The judge’s emergency burn ban was set to stay in effect until the commissioners court held its regular meeting Tuesday, October 22, to discuss extending the ban.
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