Ellis County issues burn ban; at least eight grass fires reported in last week
1 June 2022
Published by: https://www.waxahachietx.com
USA – Following a string of dry days in North Texas the Ellis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday issued a burn ban for 90 days.
The ban prohibits outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county, with some exceptions.
Ellis County Fire Marshal Tim Birdwell said the county uses the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which is used to determine forest fire potential, to determine when to request burn bans. The index ranges from 0 to 800, with 0 indicating no moisture depletion and 800 indicating absolutely dry conditions.
Birdwell said the minimum number for Ellis County is 495, the maximum is 662 and the average is 602.
“We normally don’t ask for a burn ban until the average is 575, which you see is 602,” Birdwell said. “At this time I ask that a burn ban be enacted in Ellis County for 90 days.”
There have been at least eight grass fires in Ellis County since June 23, including a small grass fire Tuesday evening off US 287 on the southern end of Waxahachie that impacted less than two acres.
According to the county’s order there are a few exceptions to the ban, including domestic waste burning – kitchen garbage, grass, leaves and branch trimmings – as long as certain precautions are taken.
The items must be kept within an enclosed single receptacle to contain the flames. The burn can occur no earlier than one hour after sunrise and no later than one hour before sunset, and it must be within the same day. A responsible party must be present, and it must occur clear of vegetation. Fire suppression equipment must be present.
Prohibited items on Red Flag Warning days by the National Weather Service include tires, construction debris, electrical wires, furniture, appliances and carpet.
Other exceptions to the burn ban include outdoor cooking, but the cooking device must use propane, natural gas, wood or charcoal and has a complete enclosure that is used at all times. The device must be clear of vegetation and combustible materials. Fire suppression equipment must be available.
Other exceptions include outdoor combustible operations, such as welding, cutting or grinding, as long as various safety measures are taken.
Outdoor welding, cutting and grinding are not permissible during Red Flag Warning Days issued by the National Weather Service.
Fireworks are not banned in unincorporated areas per the order, but individual cities can ban them if they choose to. It is illegal in Waxahachie for individuals to shoot off fireworks, except for the professional show at the Crape Myrtle Festival.
According to the order violators will commit a Class C misdemeanor and will be subject to a fine up to $500.
To read the entire burn ban go to https://bit.ly/ROtx062822.
Auxiliary courthouse
The commissioners court also approved a motion to enter into a new lease agreement with the city of Waxahachie to allow the county to continue using the Waxahachie Civic Center as a temporary auxiliary courthouse.
The period for the new lease agreement will be from Jan. 17, 2023 to Dec. 7, 2023.
County Judge Todd Little said using the Civic Center allows for more social distancing in the jury pool room.
Per the lease the cost for the county will be $1,352 per day, which if used three times a month would total $4,146 per month.
“It gives us time to finish construction on the new building and then get that new jury pool room remodeled,” Little said.
Emergency management team recognized
The court presented a certificate of recognition from the city of Midlothian to the Ellis County Emergency Management Team for their efforts in helping the city during the tornado that struck Midlothian in April.
Fresh Water Supply District
The commissioners approved new supervisors for the Ellis County Fresh Water Supply District No. 3. Those new supervisors are Ron Brown, Dane Brock, Jill Sulak, Matthew Cade Hancock and Michelle Gross.
Emergency Services Districts
The court approved the applications for Joseph Barrett to replace Murrie Wainscott on the ESD #3 (Italy) Board of Directors, which will continue through December, and for Alan Hanes to replace Anthony Modesto, Jr. on the ESD #4 (Red Oak) Board of Directors, which will continue through December of 2023.
