FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 7, 2018:
Contact: Kory Klabunde (kluh-BUN-dee), Fire Marshal
830-643-3740
klabuk@co.comal.tx.us
Burn Ban to Take Effect Friday Morning
NEW BRAUNFELS — Because of increasingly dry conditions, the Comal County Commissioners Court on Thursday implemented a ban on outdoor burning.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) this week is projected to reach 500, which is the threshold at which the Commissioners Court typically considers implementing a burn ban. Every 100 points of the KBDI is roughly equivalent to an inch of dry soil depth.
Under the restrictions, no open flames are allowed outdoors – including trash burning, campfires and torches, among others. Residents may barbecue with an open flame if the grill has a lid and is set off the ground. Welders are encouraged to use a spotter for any outdoor welding and to keep a water source nearby.
In recent days, about a dozen non-controlled fires have been reported to emergency services across the county, said Fire Marshal Kory Klabunde.
“A lot of the vegetation that grew during the spring has now died or gone dormant because of the recent hot and dry weather,” he said. “The current conditions are not safe to have an open flame outside.”
The burn ban takes effect at 6 a.m. Friday, June 8, and lasts for 90 days. More information is available on the Fire Marshal Office’s webpage, mycomalcounty.com/Fire_Marshal.htm, and Facebook page, facebook.com/ComalCountyFireMarshalsOffice.