Scurry County approves 90‑day burn ban and authorizes shelter MOUs; NIMS framework discussed

Scurry County Commissioners voted to place a countywide burn ban for 90 days and authorized the county judge to work with the county attorney and the City of Snyder to finalize memoranda of understanding for use of school and other facilities as shelters during disasters.

The action came after commissioners discussed versions of facility‑use agreements used by other jurisdictions, concerns about who would reimburse facility owners for damage, and how county and city roles would be coordinated during a disaster. County staff flagged the National Incident Management System, or NIMS, as an important framework for eligibility for federal disaster funding.

Why it matters: A burn ban affects everyday activities (open burning, debris burning) across the county and is a near‑term public‑safety measure. The MOU language and reimbursement terms will determine whether schools, churches or other facilities will agree to open as shelters and who bears repair or custodial costs after an event.

Commissioners: The court placed the 90‑day burn ban after discussion of whether the county…