Burn Ban in Effect
06/29/2018
Community Alert - Burn Ban Now In Effect
County Judge HM Davenport issues a Local Disaster Declaration for Threat of Wildland Fires Due to Dry Conditions in Navarro County effective June 29th, 2018.
Navarro County Judge HM Davenport, in the interest of fire safety and to mitigate the potential impacts from wildfires, is asking for the cooperation of all Navarro County residents with respect to outdoor burning. High winds, dry conditions, and tinder vegetation have all contributed to the risk of large and destructive wildfires. At risk are homes, valuable property, and lives. Navarro County has experienced an increase in wildfires in the past few weeks due to current hot and dry conditions. Some fires are the result of careless or negligent outdoor burning, some are the result of discarded burning materials or cigarettes, and other fires have been started by mechanical malfunctions and welding.
Navarro County is experiencing hot and dry weather with little chance for relief in the immediate future. Navarro County is currently averaging in the mid-500 range on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) scale with several areas now at or above the 575 general threshold utilized for issuing a burn ban. The Navarro County Outdoor Burn Ban will continue until drought conditions are alleviated, and wildfire potential decreases.
The full text of the ban is included below and may be found on the Navarro County OEM Website at
www.navarrocountyoem.org
County Judge HM Davenport stated, “The safety of our citizens and our first responders is our chief concern as we begin to experience wildfire conditions. Wildfires can be devastating and difficult on everyone, especially farmers and ranchers; wildfires can destroy not only lives and property, but livelihoods as well. We urge the citizens and visitors of Navarro County to adhere to the Outdoor Burning Ban, and help keep the risk for wildfires to a minimum as we begin to experience enhanced wildfire conditions.”
Navarro County Emergency Management Coordinator Eric R. Meyers stated, “Residents throughout Navarro County should take measures to protect their home, outdoor buildings, and other property by removing unwanted debris and vegetation, creating a defensible space allowing clear fire breaks. Residents should keep water hoses and other extinguishment methods readily accessible in the event a fire starts. Always call 911 early to notify your closest fire department of any fire to assure a faster response, and to ensure complete extinguishment has occurred. Although this Outdoor Burn Ban does not cover fireworks, we ask that everyone use extreme caution when celebrating the upcoming 4th of July holiday with any type of fireworks.”