Monday’s Rain Did Not Make Comal County’s Burn Ban Go Away
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Monday’s rain was not enough to make Comal County’s burn ban go away.
Fire Marshal Kory Klabunde took to Facebook today to remind residents despite some area rain, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) actually rose by five points today to 523.
The burn ban, which went into effect Friday, remains in effect. Commissioners Court voted to implement the measure on Thursday as the KBDI approached 500.
“We are keeping a close eye on the situation and hopefully there will be more rain countywide soon,” he said. “Please be patient and stay safe.”
KBDI measures the amount of precipitation necessary to return the soil to full-field capacity, according to Texas A&M. Zero is the point of no-moisture deficiency and 800 is the maximum drought that is possible.
Between 400 to 600, typical of late summer and early fall, “lower litter and duff layers contribute to fire intensity and will burn actively.”
Last week, Klabunde said it’s “very impressive” that Comal County made it through the entire summer without the need to implement a burn ban.
Banned for burning are:
- Camp fires (any size)
- Chimineas, fire pits, fire rings
- Bonfires
- Burn piles (day or night)
- Burn piles (glowing embers)
- Household waste (day or night in container that contains all sparks and/or flames
- Household waste (not in container that contains all sparks and/or flames)
- Non-wood construction materials
- Rubber, plastics, treated lumber (exceptions are rubber and plastic in household waste)
Allowed during the burn ban are:
- Barbecue pits for cooking, with lid that contains all sparks and flames
For more information or to review Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) normal guidelines for outdoor burning, click here.
