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Frio County Commissioners extend outdoor burn ban as drought readings exceed benchmark
Summary
Frio County Commissioners voted Dec. 13 to continue an outdoor burn ban for unincorporated areas after officials said Keetch-Byram Drought Index readings were above the county's 500 benchmark; the motion passed unanimously on the floor of the special called meeting.
Frio County's Commissioners Court voted Dec. 13 to continue an outdoor burn ban for unincorporated areas, citing drought-index readings above the county's 500 threshold.
Judge Rochelle Camacho told the court the request came from county staff and referenced Keetch-Byram Drought Index readings that exceeded the benchmark the county uses to justify a ban. "So anything from 500 and above justifies, instating the burn ban," the judge said during the meeting.
Commissioner Garizales moved to continue the burn ban and Commissioner Martinez seconded the motion. The court voted in favor and the motion passed.
The decision keeps open restrictions on outdoor burning intended to reduce wildfire risk as families prepare for holiday gatherings. County staff referenced the index reading in their recommendation but did not present a written emergency declaration in the meeting packet; the court treated the item as an action request and approved continuation.
Next steps: the court did not set a rescission date; the court will revisit the status of the ban as conditions change or when staff provides updated index readings.
