Randall County reinstates 90-day burn ban amid elevated fire risk

Randall County Commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 11 to reinstate a 90-day burn ban beginning immediately, citing high fire danger across the county.

Fire officials told the court that this spring'like period has produced dry, freeze-cured fuels and several recent roadside and welding-related starts. The county's fire chief told commissioners the condition, combined with nearby fires at Lake Meredith, justified restricting open burns to reduce wildfire risk. "We moved more counties than we named yesterday to burn ban," the chief said, noting increased roadside starts and that Texas A&M Forest Service has staged equipment and aircraft to assist local crews.

The court recorded the ban's duration as 90 days, from Feb. 11 through May 12, but commissioners and staff said the judge may lift the ban earlier if moisture conditions improve. Commissioners also thanked volunteer fire departments and mutual-aid partners for staging equipment and strike teams.

The ban was adopted by motion, second and a 5-0 voice vote. County officials said lifting the ban will depend on updated weather and fuel-moisture information and that residents should watch county communications for changes.