County burn ban active

By Sam Waller

The burn ban enacted earlier this month by Shackelford County commissioners has not changed despite last week’s rainfall, according to county judge Robert Skelton.

Commissioners enacted the 45-day ban at their Aug. 16 meeting as the August heat increased potential for wildfires. The ban will be in effect through Sept. 30 unless action is taken to reverse it.

Albany received 1.77 inches of rain over three days following the Aug. 16 meeting.

“The court met Monday (Aug. 23) and did not think conditions had changed enough to alter the ban,” the judge said.

Skelton said the order dictates that a person will be in violation of the burn ban if they “ignite or cause ignition of any combustible or vegetative material outside an enclosure which serves to contain all flames or sparks.”

Violation of the order is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

The last officially reported fire in the county was Aug. 20 on FM 2312 and County Road 146, with the Texas Forest Service called in to help four fire departments.

Shackelford County Rural Volunteer Fire Department chief Brad Henry commented that conditions may not be as serious as some past years, but the probability of fire outbreaks remains.

“Compared to past years, we’re in really good shape,” he said. “I don’t know exactly what it looks like right at this moment because I’m fighting fires in California and have been for the last month. I know it’s starting to dry out there, but it’s still better than it has been some times in the past.”

Henry said residents can take precautions to help prevent fires.

“Be very cautious while welding or using a cutting torch,” he said. “Don’t be driving out through the dry grass in your vehicles. Don’t let kids play with matches. Basically, it’s just common sense.”