WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS ENACT BURN BAN

  

Washington County has instituted a burn ban.

Washington County Commissioners unanimously approved an outdoor burn ban for the unincorporated areas of the county at their meeting today (Tuesday).  The burn ban, requested by the Washington County Firefighters Association, becomes effective tomorrow (Wednesday) and will last for 90 days unless rescinded earlier by the court.

Washington County Firefighters Association President Alan Winkelmann said concerns from the public and the lack of rain played into the decision to enact a burn ban.

 

When asked if there were any grass fires that sparked as a result of fireworks over the weekend, Winkelmann said there were four or five fires that started within a 30 minute period after dark on Monday, and most of them were fireworks-initiated.  However, he said the rest of the weekend was quiet, with no issues on Saturday or Sunday.

Winkelmann said residents have been smart when it comes to controlled burns, and believes a renewed focus this summer on educating them has greatly helped.

 

Winkelmann said the fires the county has seen so far have largely been ones that a burn ban would not prevent, such as those caused by mechanical failures with farm equipment, discarded cigarettes or dragging chains from a vehicle.  However, he said this “should be a good proactive measure to try and prevent anything else.”

Also at today’s meeting, the court:

• Received a presentation of a preliminary plat for the Timber Bridge subdivision fronting FM 2447 in Precinct 2. The residential development consists of 24 lots and two proposed roads with one bridge.
• Accepted a final plat for the Roberson Farms subdivision, consisting of six, two-acre tracts fronting Mt. Falls School Road and Pickens Road in Precinct 1.
• Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division fronting Alois Lane in Precinct 1.
• Approved formal notices from Apache Corporation for temporary water lines on Bredthauer Road and Flag Pond Lane in Precinct 4 and Taplin Lane in Precinct 3.
• Approved the annual renewal of the bond for Elections Administrator Carol Jackson.