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Coryell County adopts 30-day countywide burn ban as fire chiefs warn of dry conditions
Summary
The Coryell County Commissioners Court voted to impose a 30-day countywide burn ban after fire officials described frequent brush fires and dry conditions in portions of the county.
Coryell County Commissioners on Thursday voted to impose a 30-day countywide burn ban, citing a series of recent brush fires and local dryness that county fire officials say raises the risk of large blazes.
The court adopted the burn ban after a presentation from local fire officials describing spikes in fire response and dry ground conditions across parts of the county. Commissioners moved the item up on the agenda at the start of the meeting and approved the measure by voice vote.
Why it matters: county fire chiefs and emergency management staff told the court the county has seen numerous fires since March and that shifting winds and dry pastures increase the risk of escapes from legal burns. The court said the temporary restriction is intended to protect emergency responders and county resources while weather conditions remain uncertain.
Fire officials described the recent pattern of incidents and how shifting winds can send embers into dry grass. "I would be sitting here lying to you if I told you we're having some catastrophic fires because we're not. But we have had... 17 grass fires since March," said Jeff Reagan, who led the briefing for area fire chiefs. Reagan said many of those incidents started on days when burning was allowed but then spread on subsequent windier days.
The county also reviewed drought and moisture indices used by the Texas A&M Forest Service. Speakers discussed Keetch‑Byram Drought Index (KBDI) values in parts of the county and noted that some neighboring counties are already under burn restrictions.
Court members discussed whether to limit the ban geographically but ultimately voted for a countywide 30‑day ban, with the option to lift it earlier if weather conditions improve. The court noted existing state law that defines allowable burning by wind speed but did not cite a specific statute by number.
The court recorded the motion and adopted the order by voice vote; the clerk will publish the formal order and any geographic exceptions if later adopted.
The ban is temporary and may be lifted early if sustained rain or improved moisture conditions occur; the court said it will revisit the restriction before the 30 days expire.
