Observe Fire Danger Levels, Burn Bans

June 16, 2022 - As hot days are ahead with 100+ heat index, it’s important to stay aware of the Texas Forest Service’s Fire Danger levels. As of June 15, 2022 the observed fire danger level for Shelby County was "moderate" and is forecast to remain "moderate" through the weekend.

Shelby County is not under a burn ban currently and one isn’t expected at this time.

To help avoid the need of a burn ban, Shelby County citizens can do their part by being smart when doing outside burning. If you are planning a large fire, be sure to contact your local law enforcement and fire departments. Giving them a heads up will help prevent them from showing up when not needed which also helps save fuel at a time when fuel prices are extremely high.

Follow these guidelines before burning:

  • Be a good neighbor - Let your neighbor know you plan on burning along with local authorities and fire department if the planned fire will be large.
  • Never burn electrical insulation, treated lumber, plastics, non-wooden construction or demolition materials, heavy oils or oil filters, asphaltic materials, potentially explosive materials, chemical wastes, or items that contain natural or synthetic rubber (tires).
  • If doing a prescribed or controlled burn for forest management, notify the Texas A&M Forest Service.
  • When possible, burn at least 75 feet away from all dwellings.
  • Be aware of wind strength/direction to prevent smoke and pollutants from presenting a hazard. Idea wind conditions for burning are winds of at least 6 miles per hour with gusts no higher than 23 miles per hour with no temperature inversions.
  • Have a responsible party present while burning.
  • Keep water, shovel, and a rake handy in case the fire starts to spread.
  • At the end of the burn, extinguish isolated residual fires or smoldering objects.

According to the Texas Forest Service, the current fire danger situation as of June 16, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.

Yesterday, Texas A&M Forest Service fire resources responded to 6 new wildfires that burned 27 acres.

A stagnant pattern of hot and dry conditions will progressively reduce moisture in vegetation through the middle of next week. As surface vegetation becomes drier and more receptive to burning, wildfire activity is likely to increase.

Brush and timber litter fuels will be receptive to burning in East Texas, Central Texas, North Texas and in portions of South Texas. Hot and dry conditions will combine with critically dry vegetation to support the potential for wildfires in the Eastern Hill Country through Tuesday.

Consistent triple digit temperatures will continue to wilt vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfire potential in the High Plains and Rolling Plains through the weekend.

There are currently 135 counties with burn bans.

Be sure to remember your local fire departments. Summer is can be a busy time for grass fires and woods fires. Support them financially as they face challenges with fuel costs and support them by using caution when burning.

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