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Bee County lifts burn ban after mixed fire‑chief feedback; court reserves right to reinstate
Summary
After receiving mixed input from local fire chiefs, the commissioners voted to lift the county burn ban effective Jan. 13, 2025, while preserving the ability to reimpose it if conditions worsen.
Bee County Commissioners Court voted on Jan. 13 to lift the countywide burn ban effective immediately, after county staff reported input from eight volunteer fire chiefs that was split on the issue.
County staff told commissioners that out of eight fire chiefs contacted, four recommended keeping the burn ban in place, three recommended lifting it, and one had not yet responded. Commissioners discussed recent localized rainfall but also noted remaining dry fuel in some parts of the county. "Out of the 8 fire chiefs, 4 said no, 3 said yes, and 1 is yet to respond," one commissioner summarized during the discussion.
After discussion, a motion to lift the ban passed by voice vote. Commissioners said the court — and the judge and sheriff — retain the authority to reinstate a ban quickly if conditions deteriorate, and county staff asked residents and landowners to call the sheriff’s office before conducting controlled burns so local fire districts can be notified.
The court indicated it would reexamine the decision if significant changes in weather or local fire conditions occur.
