County Board ratifies immediate burn ban amid drought and fire risks

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, the Washington County Board of Supervisors convened for a crucial budget work session, where pressing issues took center stage. Among the most urgent was the ratification of a burn ban, prompted by alarming drought conditions affecting the region.

During the meeting, a board member highlighted the severity of the situation, referencing federal weather statistics that indicated the county was experiencing abnormally dry conditions. With winds whipping through the area and minimal rainfall, the risk of wildfires loomed large. The board member recounted a recent communication with a fellow supervisor, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent potential disasters, especially in light of debris left from previous storms.

In a decisive move, the chairman announced that a burn ban had been issued late Saturday night, effective immediately. The resolution, numbered 2025-09, sought to formalize this emergency measure. The board swiftly moved to ratify the ban, with a motion made and seconded, reflecting a unanimous agreement among the members.

Another supervisor voiced concerns about the hidden dangers posed by downed trees and debris in the mountainous terrain, warning that a single spark could lead to catastrophic fires reminiscent of those seen in California. Drawing from personal experience in firefighting, he underscored the challenges of combating fires in such rugged landscapes, reinforcing the necessity of the burn ban.

With the resolution passed unanimously, the board expressed hope that conditions might improve by their next meeting on April 8, potentially allowing for the ban to be lifted. As the session drew to a close, the board members acknowledged the importance of vigilance in the face of nature's unpredictability, leaving the meeting with a sense of urgency and responsibility for the safety of their community.