Hays County, Texas www.co.hays.tx.us Information for the News Media Media Contact: 512-393-2296/Laureen.Chernow@co.hays.tx.us

September 13, 2011

Hays County Burn Ban Remains in Effect:

Continuing Drought and Fire Danger Prompts Commissioners Court to Extend Ban 

Recent area fires demonstrate fire danger

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday renewed the countywide burn ban for 90 days after being told by Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Chambers that the danger caused by outdoor burning remains high. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which measures the dryness of the soil, was 786 for Hays County on Tuesday. The scale tops out at 800 – a total lack of moisture.

Over the Labor Day weekend Hays County area firefighters doused blazes in several locations around the county and fought back the “Pedernales One/Spicewood” fire from the Hays County line. More than 200 homes in the Hamilton Pool Road area of Hays County were evacuated due to the concern that the fire would reach them.

“First responders from all over Hays County, with help from neighboring counties, managed to stop the fire near the Hays County border,” Chambers said. “The threat of wildfire remains high throughout Central Texas and we are encouraging people to take extreme care.

Under the burn ban, residents in unincorporated Hays County are prohibited from outdoor burning except when authorized by the Fire Marshal. The ban exempts charcoal and gas grills, but burning in “burn barrels” (even ones with screens on the top) is not allowed.

“If you do use an outdoor grill, please be extremely careful. Never leave your grill unattended and make sure you have a water source nearby in case sparks escape,” Chambers said. “Place your grill away from anything that could catch fire. Triple-check the coals before you dispose of them to ensure no embers are warm.”

Chambers also cautioned residents to avoid parking vehicles on grassy areas, since automobile catalytic converters can start fires along the road, and to refrain from tossing cigarettes outside as well – even ones that appear to be out can still be a fire hazard.

Residents can help cut down the risk of grass fires by making sure vegetation is cut back and periodically watered in compliance with any local watering restrictions. Additional information on protecting your home from fire is available at www.txforestservice.tamu.edu.

Violators of the burn ban could face a class C misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $500. Fire Marshal Mark Chambers says that fire officials are taking a “zero tolerance” approach to violators, and that tickets will be issued to those who violate the ban.

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