Comal County Now “Driest” in Texas
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July 13 update from Comal County: “According to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, Comal is the driest county in the state – which means you should definitely be following the burn ban and not using any outdoor flames.”
Click here for more information about Burn Ban and other useful information.
Comal County Commissioners Court implemented a ban on outdoor burning at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, July 6.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) that week reached 500, which is the threshold at which the Commissioners Court typically considers implementing a burn ban. Every 100 points of the KBDI is roughly equivalent to an inch of dry soil depth.
Under the restrictions, no open flames are allowed outdoors – including trash burning, campfires and torches, among others. Residents may barbecue with an open flame if the grill has a lid and is set off the ground. Welders are encouraged to use a spotter for any outdoor welding and to keep a water source nearby.
In recent days, about two dozen non-controlled fires have been reported to emergency services across the county, said Fire Marshal Kory Klabunde.
“The rain we had this spring helped has led to a lot of vegetation, which is now very dry,” he said. “The current conditions are not safe to have an open flame outside.”
The burn ban took effect at 6 a.m. Friday, July 7, and lasts for 90 days.
