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Dimmit County approves controlled brush burning near landfill after safety debate
Summary
Commissioners approved a plan to pile and, when necessary, burn brush adjacent to the county landfill, after extended discussion about TCEQ requirements, fire‑department staffing, ember risk and using the tub grinder first; the court set coordination and safety stipulations.
A majority of the Dimmit County Commissioners Court voted to approve a plan to compile brush adjacent to the county landfill and conduct controlled burns for material the tub grinder cannot process, subject to coordination with the fire department and compliance with TCEQ guidance.
A commissioner who placed the item said the county can stockpile material next to the landfill and, when weather and conditions permit, conduct controlled burns for material the grinder cannot handle. The speaker noted the need to "work hand in hand with our fire department" and to avoid burning during a burn ban.
A county fire official and several commissioners raised safety concerns. "If it carries an embers ... the county will be liable for whatever burns," one official warned, citing recent multiple fires and limits on volunteer availability. Commissioners reiterated TCEQ notification requirements and the need for a written plan identifying the supervising agency, on‑site water resources and the fire chief's approval before any burn.
Members discussed using the county's new tub grinder first and only burning material too large for the machine. The court agreed that any burn would be planned, coordinated by email and not conducted during dry, high‑risk conditions; the judge asked staff to produce an operational checklist outlining who will be in charge, what equipment will be onsite, and how the county will coordinate the city fire department if needed.
The motion to approve the controlled burn approach was moved, seconded and carried. The court also approved reinstating a burn‑back authorization for Precinct 2.
