Jack County burn ban in effect

Jack County officials enacted a burn ban Wednesday, Oct. 15 as the threat of fire spread increases.

On the recommendation of Jack County Rural Fire Chief Jason Jennings, Judge Keith Umphress signed the order declaring a state of natural disaster, banning all outdoor burning for the next seven days. 

As of Tuesday, Oct. 14, the county’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index was at 535, indicating a high fire danger level typical of late summer and early fall conditions. As vegetation fuels are dry, fires are likely to start, spread rapidly and burn intensely.

KBDI values are based on a daily water balance where a drought factor is balanced with precipitation and soil moisture. The drought index ranges from zero to 800, where a drought index of zero represents no moisture depletion and an index of 800 represents absolutely dry conditions.

To extend the burn ban beyond seven days the commissioners court will have to ratify its own order to prohibit or restrict outdoor burning. A burn ban adopted by the court can remain in effect for up to 90 days.

Actions violating the orders of the burn ban now in effect are considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.