Jim Wells County imposes 90-day burn ban after drought-index readings rise

Jim Wells County commissioners on Sept. 12 voted to implement a 90-day countywide burn ban after the county’s emergency management reported drought-index values above the county threshold.

Lance Brown, Jim Wells County Emergency Management, told the court the Keetch-Byram Drought Index readings had risen to 618 as of Sept. 10, exceeding the county threshold of 500. He recommended a 90-day burn ban and told the court it could be lifted earlier if significant rainfall occurred.

Commissioners approved the motion without roll-call detail recorded in the minutes. During the meeting a county official requested the burn-ban order include language allowing the county judge to lift the ban immediately if weather conditions improve — a request Brown said staff would incorporate.

Ending: The burn ban becomes effective immediately and county staff said they will ensure the order includes an administrative clause allowing the judge to lift the ban if conditions improve.