Lavaca County keeps burn ban lifted until Jan. 13 after recent rain, KBDI review
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Summary
Commissioners voted to leave the county burn ban lifted through the next regular meeting, citing recent rainfall, improved moisture conditions and pending Keetch-Byram Drought Index updates; the court also discussed better public signage and communication.
Lavaca County Commissioners' Court voted Jan. 6 to keep the countywide burn ban lifted and to revisit the matter at the court's Jan. 13 meeting.
County staff and an EMS liaison reported recent rainfall and rising surface moisture that, they said, reduce the current risk of fire spread. The court's decision followed discussion of the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) readings and upcoming weather forecasts.
Tim Decker, who identified himself as an EMS staff member who often serves as a liaison with fire chiefs, told the court: "But the conditions the way they currently are, don't really support fire spread." He also said the Forestry Service's assessment and local moisture had lowered the county's fire control tolerance.
Commissioners discussed improving public notification, including additional signage in town centers and use of burn-ban flags at fire stations, to communicate inclement-fire status more quickly. Officials said some areas had green grass after recent rain and that forecasted rainfall later in the week could further reduce dryness.
Precinct 3 Commissioner moved to leave the burn ban off until the Jan. 13 regular meeting; Precinct 4 Commissioner seconded. The court voted unanimously to keep the burn ban lifted. The motion record states: "The burn ban is officially off." Officials also noted that high wind days and agency rules can independently restrict open burning.
The court said the Lavaca County Fire Chiefs Association will meet Thursday to discuss metrics and communication strategies; the meeting was described as taking place at the Moulton fire department.