Even considering some recent rainfall, the Burnet County burn ban which began earlier this month has not been lifted, and it will stay on until further notice.
“Most areas got about 1/2 to 1 inch of rain over the last two days, with a few spots getting a bit more,” County Judge Bryan Wilson said. “But Burnet County still needs more rain, and forecasts do not look promising.”
Regularly, county officials monitor the Texas
University A&M Keetch-
Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for scientific measures of local moisture
levels.
Recently, the KBDI hovered at 489, Wilson said.
“It is still above the normal burn ban average for Burnet County,” he added. “Although shortterm moisture is up, it is not enough to ease the risk. And, rainfall over the last 30, 60 and 90 days is only about half of what we would see normally.”
As such, Wilson advised county residents to stay cautious.
“Avoid outdoor burning, use equipment like welders carefully, watch for sparks, and make sure to safely dispose of cigarette butts,” the judge said. “Let’s keep it safe out there.”
