Emergency Order: Bell County Enacts Strict Burn Ban After 30 Weekend Fires

If you are doing yardwork, don’t burn those limbs! 

Bell County Burn Ban 

Many Bell County residents are using the warmer weather to do yard work, but don’t burn any of those tree limbs. Following a weekend of wildfires, Bell County Judge David Blackburn has issued an Emergency Burn Ban. According to Fox44, thirty fires were reported over the weekend. Half that number was reported the previous week. Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Reinhard told Fox44 that additional support was given by McLennon, Falls, and Williamson Counties. 

What Factors Determine the Need for a Burn Ban? 

According to Judge Blackburn, “The decision to issue an emergency burn ban order is always based on several factors, including a state-generated drought index measure for our county.” He said the conditions on the ground in Bell County also factor into the decision. In this case, it was a major increase in grass fires in Bell County. The recommendation from the Emergency Management office also factored into the decision.  

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) 

The Texas A&M Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is a tool used to determine forest fire potential. The drought index is based on a daily water balance comprised of rainfall and soil moisture. The drought index ranges from 0 to 800. 0 equals moist soil and low fire risk. The higher the number, the dryer the soil and the higher the fire risk. According to Fox44, Bell County has an average KBDI score of 271. Even though that score is not extremely high, OEM Coordinator Reinhard says even though the ground is still moist from the ice storm, the frigid temperatures from the storm have dried out the vegetation. 

What Activities are Prohibited? 

According to the burn ban, residents living in the unincorporated area of Bell County cannot burn anything outside. Welding and cooking on barbeque pits is allowed. Violating the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.