Fire Marshal Weeder told the Grayson County Commissioners Court on Oct. 14 that parts of Grayson County are drying rapidly and a county burn ban could be considered in the next few weeks if rain does not arrive.

"Things are getting awful dry out there," Fire Marshal Weeder said, reporting Keetch-Byram drought index readings that have risen since yesterday. He said the index was "5 41 yesterday," was likely around "05:50" as the meeting proceeded and that some parts of the county were measuring "6 76," which he described as "very dry." He said the index has been climbing and estimated it could increase another nine or 10 points as readings are updated.

The fire marshal told commissioners the state of Texas has taken a proactive approach after last year’s Panhandle wildfires and is prestaging equipment throughout the state; he said some resources have been prestaged locally and "out at the airport." The county’s pre-positioning of equipment, he said, is part of statewide preparations for increased fire risk.

Judge and commissioners did not take formal action during the announcement; the court continued with its agenda. Weeder urged caution for residents and contractors: avoid outdoor burning and be careful with activities such as welding while conditions remain dry.

Why this matters: rising drought-index readings indicate elevated wildfire risk, which can lead counties to restrict outdoor burning and coordinate resource staging with the state. Fire marshal warnings can prompt operational changes for first responders and advisories for residents.

The court did not vote on a burn ban during the Oct. 14 session; the fire marshal said the court could bring a burn-ban item back for consideration if conditions continue to deteriorate.