Smith County burn ban update

SMITH COUNTY — Since the Smith County Burn Ban was issued a month ago, the County has seen 160 grass and brush fires, and nearly 80 reports of illegal burning. “It’s been a busy month across the board,” said Smith County Fire Marshal Paul Findley, who gave an update on fire conditions to the Commissioners Court on Tuesday. There have been 432 fire-related calls since August 1, and 40 citations have been given for illegal burning. A violation of the burn ban is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. “The emergency responders in the county are doing an outstanding job during an extremely busy time,” Findley said, adding that the investigators in the Fire Marshal’s Office are doing a great job. “You’ve got a great team out at the EOC.” He said their partnerships with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Constables’ Offices have also been great, with the other agencies helping them out tremendously on calls, both day and night. “The rains we received recently were welcome but unfortunately, they were not enough to lift the burn ban,” Findley said.

Currently, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County was at an average of 758. The KBDI is a metric used to measure the effects of seasonal drought on fire potential. The actual numeric value ranges from 0 (no moisture depletion) to 800 (absolutely dry conditions). According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 72 percent of Smith County is in severe drought; 27 percent is in moderate drought and less than 1 percent (in the southeast portion of the county/Troup area) is in extreme drought.

“It’s still dangerously dry out there as far as fire conditions,” Findley said. “I can’t stress enough how great the first responders are doing out there.”

“I appreciate all you have done, and your team,” Smith County Judge Neal Franklin said.

Commissioner John Moore thanked all of the billboard owners across the county for displaying burn ban messaging from Smith County for free, to help spread the word.

The burn ban order was issued August 1, and will remain in effect for 90 days, unless conditions improve, and the Commissioners Court approves terminating the order early.

Fireworks, fire pits, fire barrels or any form of outdoor burning is prohibited.

Outdoor grilling is still allowed, but citizens should ensure that the grill or smoker contains all flames and includes a lid. Outdoor welding operations are also excluded from the burn ban, if they are conducted following guidelines established by the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office. Welders must notify and register with the Fire Marshal’s Office in advance.