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Taylor County adopts 90-day ban on outdoor burning amid dry, windy conditions
Summary
At an emergency meeting, the Taylor County Commissioners Court voted 5-0 to adopt an order prohibiting outdoor burning for 90 days after consulting local fire chiefs and citing drought conditions and forecasted high winds.
The Taylor County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to adopt an order prohibiting outdoor burning for 90 days, citing dry conditions and forecasted high winds.
The emergency meeting, called by the court and posted about two hours before convening, produced a 5-0 vote to adopt the order after commissioners said they had consulted local fire chiefs who recommended action. The court’s presiding commissioner said he had spoken with Chief Maxwell, Chief Burleson, Chief Sal and Chief Flores of the city of Abilene and that "if we sign a piece of paper, it's not gonna slow down the wind, but it will educate the public on fire danger." A commissioner added, "it's very, very dry out there."
The order was moved by the presiding commissioner (name not specified in the record) and seconded by Commissioner Bertram. The court recorded the outcome as 5 yes, 0 no. The order sets the prohibition on outdoor burning for 90 days; commissioners said they would lift the ban once conditions improve. The presiding commissioner noted this was the third special session called since 1999, citing a prior flood response on July 7, 2002, and an earlier special session this year related to a contracted vendor's financial issues.
The agenda to convene the emergency meeting was adopted by a separate 5-0 vote; the court also voted to adjourn by unanimous voice vote and closed the meeting at 3:06 p.m. Commissioners emphasized the temporary, precautionary nature of the order and said they expect to reassess it as conditions change.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to adopt the meeting agenda: passed 5-0 (mover: Commissioner Williams; seconder: Commissioner Bertram; posted two hours in advance). - Order prohibiting outdoor burning (90 days): passed 5-0 (mover: Presiding Commissioner [name not specified]; seconder: Commissioner Bertram). - Motion to adjourn: passed 5-0 (mover: Commissioner Kendrick; seconder: Commissioner Williams).
The court said the ban is intended to reduce fire risk while high winds and dry fuels persist; commissioners asked staff to monitor conditions and lift the order when safe to do so.
