County officials consider renewing emergency burn ban amid low fire danger

Hutchinson County Commissioners Court has decided to allow the current emergency burn ban to lapse, as conditions in the area have improved. During the meeting on March 26, 2025, officials noted that the KBT app indicated moisture levels below 200, significantly lower than the 500 threshold recommended by the Texas Forest Service for burn bans.

Alan, a county representative, highlighted that while many neighboring counties remain under burn bans, Hutchinson County's conditions do not warrant an extension at this time. The weather forecast for the upcoming week also shows no extreme winds, which further supports the decision to let the ban expire.

However, officials acknowledged that should conditions change, they could reinstate the burn ban with a court ratification within seven days. The discussion emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential wildfire risks, especially after recent dry spells.

In addition to the burn ban, the court is set to address a disaster declaration in the next meeting, reflecting ongoing concerns about fire safety in the region. The decision to allow the burn ban to lapse is seen as a proactive measure, balancing community needs with safety considerations.