An abundance of fires lately, but without drought conditions

In the past few weeks, grass, pasture, and woods fires have been rising in number in Southeast Texas. In fact, it is mildly reminiscent of the beginning of ban-producing drought conditions.

However, according to Jasper County Judge Mark Allen, we are far from drought conditions that would necessitate the installation of a burn ban.

Allen stated, "Although Jasper County and most of Southeast Texas are not currently experiencing any serious drought conditions, please use extreme caution when burning outdoors."

Allen added that while driving around Jasper County, you'll notice many farmers and ranchers burning fields, clearing fields by burning debris from trees, and local households burning household trash or vegetative debris. The key is to use real caution while doing so. "I'd caution anyone burning a field or any large piles to ensure that someone experienced is involved and to not take on too much at one time."

Allen said that with the grass and underbrush as dry as it is from the winter weather we've had recently, there is a lot of fuel out there for a wildfire to start. Just use caution when burning; ensure that you are not near a wooded tree line, structure, or anything else that could catch fire easily. Also, watch the wind speeds and direction and always have a water source available to be able to control and extinguish a fire if it tries to get out of hand or upon completing the burning project.

"As I always say, remember that our firemen are all volunteers and must leave their families and their jobs to respond to a fire that has gotten out of control. This will prematurely fatigue them as well as add wear and tear to their equipment, which could result in a catastrophe if we do move into serious drought conditions." Allen cautioned.

"Finally", Allen said, "let's all have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl weekend and allow our firemen and their families to enjoy it as well."