Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Caldwell County extends burn ban and restricts certain fireworks amid drought
Summary
County staff reported multiple unattended brush fires and recommended keeping the burn ban; the court extended the ban and approved Order 012025 restricting rocket-type fireworks and similar devices in unincorporated Caldwell County while drought conditions persist.
County staff member Hector reported several recent, unattended brush fires and said the county is issuing citations for burn-ban violations. He presented current KVDI numbers (minimum 571, maximum 675, average 638) and noted limited forecasted rainfall in early December, recommending the court maintain the burn ban. "I'm recommending to commissioner's court that we keep the burn ban on," Hector said.
Commissioners moved to continue the burn ban by voice vote. The court then considered and read into the record Order 012025, which restricts certain fireworks in unincorporated Caldwell County. The order cites a Texas A&M Forest Service determination that drought conditions exist in the county and prohibits sale, detonation, ignition or use of fireworks classified as rocket-type devices and missiles with fins (as described in the read order). The order exempts permissible fireworks authorized by Occupations Code §2154.003(a), makes willful violations a Class C misdemeanor, and sets the order to expire when the Texas Forest Service determines drought conditions no longer exist or at midnight Jan. 1, 2025, whichever is earlier.
The court approved Order 012025 by motion and voice vote. The order and the continued burn ban are intended to reduce wildfire risk in unincorporated areas while drought conditions remain in effect.
