Wichita County commissioners extend burn ban through April 30 after high winds and fire responses

The Wichita County Commissioners Court voted unanimously on March 18 to continue a county burn ban, setting the effective period to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 and to run through April 30, 2025.

County emergency and fire officials asked the court to extend protective restrictions after a recent wind event caused multiple fires, scattered property damage and hazardous conditions. "Their general consensus is by talking to them was they would, like to see it extended," Dwayne, an emergency/fire official who briefed the court, said of the volunteer and professional fire chiefs and incident commanders.

Dwayne thanked volunteer fire departments and Wichita County law enforcement for increased availability during the recent high‑wind period and said crews responded quickly to several incidents that damaged roofs, sheds and fencing. He told the court that some grasses have started to green, but that large amounts of dormant fine fuels (two‑ to three‑foot blue stem and Bermuda grass) remain and can still burn under windy, dry conditions.

County officials told the court that deputies and fire chiefs reported situations in which windborne debris and broken utility wires started additional fires. Commissioners and the emergency official noted that liability for damages remains an individual concern regardless of a burn ban, and that local authorities can lift the ban early if weather conditions warrant.

The court’s action was procedural: a motion to enact the burn ban was made and seconded, and the vote was recorded as 5‑0 in favor. Commissioners also directed staff to issue a press release and post the ban on the county website.

The order permits exemptions outlined in the county’s standard burn‑ban language (for certain agricultural or agency operations handled under supervision), and officials said they would reexamine the ban if significant rain occurs before April 30.