Drought bans burning in Denton County

by Mary Pharris of North Texas Daily

Low humidity + high winds + flicking a lit cigarette = disaster.

A burn ban is effective for Denton County, prohibiting any outdoor burning and requiring certain conditions for hotworks such as welding or grinding operations, Denton County Fire Marshal Chief Jody Gonzalez said.

"The most dangerous days are high wind, low humidity," he said. "The lower the humidity, the least amount of friction is needed to start a spark."

Gonzalez said Denton County experienced about two fires a day before the ban went into effect Dec. 30. Gonzalez said most of the fires began as controlled burning, which is any outdoor burning of leaves or other materials.

"Nothing gigantic yet, but I told the Commissioners Court I didn't want to wait until we have a 400-acre fire to put the ban in effect," he said. "The intent of a ban is to mitigate large fires."

With vegetation being so dry, the slightest spark or even ashes from a lit cigarette or cigar could potentially start a fire, Gonzalez said. He warned that even mowing grass during a drought could be a threat if a mower blade were to hit a rock and create friction.

Gonzalez said during a burn ban there is absolutely no burning allowed outdoors, and when a burn ban is lifted residents must obtain a permit for any controlled burning.

For hotworks during a burn ban, weather conditions and other criteria like having vegetation cleared within 20 feet of welding are required. Gonzalez said residents can call the fire marshal's office for the restrictions and to check weather conditions. However, he said he rarely fines hotworks violations, but rather informs violators of the burn ban.

"Putting restrictions on outdoor hotworks like cutting or welding is not something we want to ban because it's a livelihood," he said. "Putting restrictions is a safety concern."

Citations can also be issued for disposing of lit cigarettes or cigars. Gonzalez said not only will someone be cited for the reckless discarding of lighted materials, but he or she could receive a double citation for littering.

Violators of the burn ban can receive a Class C Misdemeanor with a fine up to $500.

The disaster declaration of threat of wildfires due to drought conditions, the burn ban's formal name, was suspended from Jan. 6 through 12 after some rainfall; however, it went back into effect on Jan. 13, and will last until there is a significant amount of rain, Gonzalez said.

Jessica Schultz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Fort Worth, said a substantial amount of rainfall in the forecast is unlikely and conditions will remain dry. While there will be slight increase in moisture over the weekend, she said the fire threat will remain high because of the breezy weather and persistent dryness.

Gonzalez said cleaning out a home's gutters and removing dead vegetation and other debris from yards is the best way to protect against fires. Also, reporting fires as soon as possible is the best way to prevent them from spreading, he said.

"The faster you report it, the better it is," he said. "The quicker it's reported, the faster the fire department can get a handle on it."

For more information on the Denton County burn ban, call 940-349-2840 or visit dentoncounty.com