Forest Service warns variable wildfire risk; Callahan County keeps burn ban in effect

Callahan County commissioners on March 10 heard a briefing from regional Forest Service staff about localized wildfire risk and unanimously agreed to keep the county's burn ban in effect.

James Morals, regional coordinator, and Seth Morris, fire coordinator for the Abilene Fire District, told the court the agency's maps and predictive data show large variations across the county — some areas near Cross Plains are relatively green, while parts of northeast Callahan remain below 25% of normal rainfall. "In the worst spot, it could be very detrimental," Morals said, describing how low relative humidity and gusty winds can elevate fire behavior even where maps appear ambiguous.

Morals described the Texas intra-agency coordination center web page and other interagency resources the Forest Service uses to share weather, fuels and fire-potential information with counties and local fire departments. He urged local leaders to use the data for decision-making, noting that maps can look threatening in places where fuels are not receptive.

Commissioners and county staff reported recent high-wind events and isolated rainfall that did not reach the whole county. The sheriff and other officials described infrastructure impacts from recent storms, including multiple downed utility poles, underscoring the practical consequence of ignition sources during windy conditions.

The court did not lift the burn ban. Court members said they will rely on Forest Service contacts and the agency's predictive products for future decisions and invited Morals and Morris to coordinate further meetings and local emergency-management planning if needed.

The court moved on to the next agenda item after confirming contact details for Forest Service staff and agreeing to monitor weather and fuels closely over the coming days.