The Montgomery County Commission discusses the effectiveness of last week’s burn ban.
A burn ban was put in place on February 18th and was allowed to expire on February 21st. District Fire Chief Michael Smith says there were no serious incidents reported during that time.
County Emergency Management Director Rick Whitson confirmed that Sheriff’s deputies did issue several citations for violations during the dry, windy conditions. Though no precipitation fell over the weekend, the high winds did die down, allowing the ban to expire. Commissioner Phil Clubine says the county will remain vigilant as the time approaches when farmers and ranchers will want to burn.
Smith adds that bans will be put in place only when conditions warrant them.
Although there is no current burn ban in place, residents are urged to remain extremely cautious with outdoor burning as conditions remain dry.
