Smith County Urges Caution Due to Fire Hazard

TYLER — Over the 4th of July holiday, Smith County Judge Joel Baker urges all residents of Smith County to use extreme caution in their outdoor holiday activities due to the extremely dry conditions. “I am continuing to monitor conditions to determine whether to issue a disaster declaration and burn ban due to the drought. Many factors go into the decision-making process regarding the issuance of a burn ban. I always consult with the County Fire Marshal in evaluating the issuance of such an order,” Judge Baker said.

Factors in determining the need for a burn ban include:
1. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index
2. The current temperature, humidity, and wind speed
3. The weather forecast
“We also consider the type and volume of calls for emergency service due to fires,” Judge Baker added.

Officials say the majority of recent fires have been due to factors that a burn ban would not prevent, e.g., lightning strikes, electrical sparks from damaged lines, cigarettes being thrown from traveling vehicles. The current drought index is 654, and the county has historically issued burn bans when it is at our near 700. The occurrence of scattered thunderstorms in the county over the past week has brought and kept the drought index down. However, with the current weather forecast, it appears that there may be a need to issue a burn ban by Tuesday of next week substantial rainfall is not received by Monday.

The celebration of Independence Day brings the tradition of outdoor activities that may be risky due to the drought conditions throughout the state. Residents are urged to carefully monitor any outdoor cooking to insure that all combustible materials remain confined to grills or fire pits, and that any fireworks are controlled events with adult supervision. These activities should only take place, if at all, where running water is readily available. “We just want everyone to exercise common sense over the holiday weekend,” Smith County Fire Marshal Jim Seaton said.

Residents are reminded that it is a violation of state law to start a fire or cause an explosion and in so doing: (1) recklessly damage or destroy a building belonging to another or (2) recklessly cause another person to suffer bodily injury or death (Texas Penal Code §28.02 [a-2]). Such a violation is a state jail felony punishable confinement from 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine. Additionally, pursuant to Texas Penal Code §28.04, a person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner, he recklessly damages or destroys property of the owner. Such a violation is a class-C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.