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Taylor County enacts 90-day burn ban after rural fire chiefs recommend action
Summary
Responding to widespread dryness and reports of grass fires, the commissioners voted unanimously to impose a 90‑day countywide burn ban, following a rural fire committee survey that showed most volunteer chiefs supported the restriction.
Taylor County Commissioners Court on Tuesday imposed a 90‑day ban on outdoor burning, citing dry conditions and recommendations from local rural fire chiefs.
The court’s roll-call discussion referenced a survey by Chief Gary Young, who polled the county’s rural volunteer fire chiefs; commissioners said 10 of 12 chiefs recommended a ban. Commissioners noted that rainfall patterns vary across the county and that localized storms in Abilene do not reflect conditions elsewhere in the 925‑square-mile county.
Commissioner Williams said fire departments have responded to multiple grass fires in recent days and supported a temporary prohibition on outdoor burning. Commissioner Statler noted that the rural fire committee urged a 90‑day ban to reduce the risk of new wildland and grass fires. The motion to implement the ban passed 4-0.
The measure takes effect immediately; the court did not specify enforcement mechanics in the public record during the meeting, and commissioners said local fire chiefs would play a role in advising on any needed enforcement or exceptions.
Commissioners voting yes were Commissioner Williams, Commissioner Bertram, Commissioner Statler and Commissioner Burcham.
