Observe Fire Danger Levels, Burn Bans as of June 24

June 24, 2022 - As hot days are ahead over the weekend with 100+ heat index, it’s important to stay aware of the Texas Forest Service’s Fire Danger levels. As of June 24, 2022 the observed fire danger level for Shelby County remains "moderate" and is forecast to be "moderate" through the weekend.

Shelby County is not under a burn ban currently; however, conditions are worsening and the prospect of a burn ban increases.

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 24, 2022 at 1pm.

Yesterday, Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters responded to 7 wildfires that burned approximately 1,067 acres.

Wednesday, Texas A&M Forest Service fire resources responded to 8 new wildfires that burned 392 acres.

This week marks the third week in a row with a dominant high pressure system over the state. This means that above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall is again forecast for the state.

Dry to critically dry vegetation will support moderate potential for wildfire activity through Thursday across most of the state even without the presence of elevated fire weather. The exception is the Trans Pecos area where recent rainfall has reduced the potential for wildfire ignitions.

The Texas fire environment will become progressively more fire effective this week and vegetation continues to dry and fire weather reaches elevated thresholds for temperature, wind and minimum relative humidity. There is a moderate potential for significant wildfires to occur late in the week and over the weekend in high risk timber and brush fuels.

There are currently 161 counties with burn bans which is an increase of 26 counties since June 16th.

Be sure to remember your local fire departments. Summer 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. Help stop the fire before it happens!

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