Jack County issues burn ban

Commissioners signed an order Monday, Oct. 27 banning outdoor burning in Jack County, effective for the next 90 days. 

Jack County Judge Keith Umphress signed an emergency order Wednesday, Oct. 15, prohibiting outdoor burning for the next seven days. The order expired Wednesday, Oct. 22 and Umphress said last week he was confident the expected rain over the weekend would dampen much of the threat of spread of wildfire.
                             
“Some areas of the county got more than others, and there was a substantial amount of moisture,” Umphress said. “We’re very grateful for that, but at the end of the day it doesn’t change the overall recommendation from our fire command.”

County officials agreed, saying the risk would only increase in the more dry months ahead. As fields began to die off for the fall and winter, underbrush could quickly become fuel for a fire. 

Umphress said the county also typically saw an increase in wildfires coinciding with hunting season.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, 42% of wildfires occur during major hunting season months September through January. Of those fires occurring during hunting season, 65% were caused by burning debris and equipment use—including parking in dry, overgrown grass and dragging trailer chains.

The burn ban will be active for the next 90 days, unless called off by the court before it expires. Another burn ban can be issued, effective once the initial order expires, if the court deems it necessary.

Violating a Texas burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.