Lavaca County officials warn residents as KBDI rises; no burn ban yet

County fire liaison Tim Decker and local chiefs updated the court on March 23 that the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) has risen rapidly (recent readings cited near the 520s–530s) and that, without meaningful rain, the county could hit the typical 550 trigger for a burn ban within days.

"If you don't need to burn, don't burn," Decker told the court, stressing that wind and low humidity raise the risk of a controlled burn escaping and that volunteer departments can be pulled away from work and family to respond. He and chiefs recommended giving residents notice before imposing a ban to reduce confusion and the number of inadvertent emergency calls.

The judge said he monitors the daily KBDI and that he can declare a burn ban; the court would then be asked to ratify that declaration within seven days. Commissioners discussed practical steps if a ban is declared, including posting signs at intersections and fire stations and using social media and radio to spread the message.

Officials reiterated a request that anyone planning an agricultural or debris burn notify the sheriff's dispatch at 798-2121 (press extension 1) with the burn location, contact phone number and description, so fire departments are not unnecessarily dispatched to controlled burns.

The court did not vote to impose a burn ban at the March 23 meeting; a possible declaration is expected to be revisited early next week when updated KBDI values are available.

What residents should know: Monitor county outlets and the sheriff's office for a burn-ban notice, call dispatch before burning, and avoid outdoor burning while KBDI readings remain high.