County moves to prevent fires
Published 7:00 pm, Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Drought conditions are continuing to increase, and according to the weather service and the Texas Forest Service, minimal rainfall is expected.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is a system that relates current and recent weather conditions to expected fire situations. The Texas Forest Service uses the system to allow local governments to understand the impact of droughts.
In this range, fire intensity begins to increase and fires will readily burn in all directions. Larger fuels may burn or smolder for several days, creating possible smoke and fire control problems.
The 500 benchmark in Harris County is generally considered to be the initiation of burn bans and fireworks restrictions to prevent grass and woods fires.
The KBDI for June 12 is 531, and has been rising continually. The high fire danger level is listed as 400 to 600.
Harris County has extensive areas of grassland and pine forests, in which fires are very difficult to control and could endanger houses and businesses. Especially dangerous are fires that could reach the treetops (called crowning).
Commissioners Court ordered that the sale and use of aerial fireworks during the Fourth of July season will be banned as allowed for Local Government Code 352.051.
The order prohibits the sale or use of "skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins" as stated in 49 Code of Federal Regulations 173.100(r)(2) revised 10-1-86.
The Harris County Fire and Emergency Services recommends that citizens not purchase any type of fireworks that are propelled into the air.
"Any type of aerial fireworks has the potential to start a fire under drought conditions," said Fire Marshal Fred Windisch.
"Citizens must be extremely conservative in their approach when discharging any type of fireworks that are propelled into the air.
"We also need to be aware that personal injuries can occur when any type of fireworks is not used properly," Windisch said.
The drought declaration and resultant burn ban and aerial fireworks ban will be removed when the index reaches 490 or less for 48 consecutive hours.