Commissioner Jones outlines new burn permit process amid limited burn ban lifting

Kerr County officials have lifted the burn ban in certain areas, introducing a new permit process to ensure safety during burning activities. Residents must now call the sheriff's office to obtain a formal permit before starting any burning. Failure to do so could result in fines, as emphasized by county leaders during the recent commissioners' court meeting.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of this system to prevent unnecessary calls to volunteer fire departments. If smoke is reported, dispatch will already have a record of permitted burns, allowing them to respond appropriately without wasting resources.

Key regulations include a strict no-burning policy after dark and specific time restrictions: burning is only allowed one hour after sunrise and must conclude one hour before sunset. Additionally, any ongoing fires must be monitored continuously to prevent them from getting out of control.

The decision to lift the ban comes as August approaches, with officials noting the need for controlled burns in unaffected areas like Mountain Home. A detailed zoning system has been established to manage these burns safely, dividing the county into east and west zones, which will be further broken down into smaller sections. This approach aims to ensure that burning is conducted in a controlled manner, with thorough checks by the Texas Task Force 1 to confirm that all piles are safe to burn.

As Kerr County navigates this new burning policy, officials are committed to balancing the need for land management with community safety, ensuring that residents are well-informed and compliant with the new regulations.