Burn Ban Stays Off; Fire Danger Lessens

Staff Writer

The outdoor burn ban for Van Zandt County might have made its last appearance on a county commissioners’ court agenda for this season.

Substantial rainfall in the past week and a small number of out-of-control fires have helped keep the burn ban away for at least another week.

At Tuesday’s session of the commissioners’ court, Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen recommended the ban not be reintroduced.

"Kaufman County just lifted its burn ban yesterday (Monday). I spoke with their officials and I would hate to see us put ours back on a day after they lifted theirs," Allen said.

Allen, who exhibited some nervousness about the court’s decision to lift the burn ban a week ago, said ground conditions are looking better now.

"We are not having that many grass fires now. We had a couple that got away in the past week…other than that, people have been pretty responsible," he said.

The court took no action since the ban was not in effect. Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches told Allen, "If you feel it is needed at the last minute, let me know so I can place the matter on the next (commissioners’ court) agenda."

Barring a sudden outbreak of out-of-control trash and debris burning, though, it looks like the burn ban may be done for the spring.

"A lot of what has helped is the wet ground and it has been raining lately," Allen said. "We’re in a lot better shape than I thought we would be."