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(File Photo) Following the recommendation from Breckenridge Fire Chief and Stephens County Fire Marshal Malcolm Bufkin, the county commissioners approved the extension of the county-wide burn ban an additional 90 days past the original end date of Tuesday, Oct. 21 at their latest meeting Monday, Oct. 13.
The Stephens County burn ban has been extended an additional 90 days from the date it was originally set to expire, as drought conditions have reached high levels.
The burn ban was first enacted for 90 days beginning Monday, July 21 during a special meeting of the Stephens County Commissioners Court. With the initial ban set to expire Tuesday, Oct. 21, the court approved the 90 day extension recommended by Breckenridge Fire Chief and Stephens County Fire Marshal Malcolm Bufkin.
The drought conditions based on the Keetch-Bryam Drought Index (KBDI) were averaging 630 for Stephens County on the 0 to 800 scale as of Sunday, Oct. 12 according to Bufkin. Anything above 570 on the scale is considered an emergency level.
With that being said, there were additional restrictions to be enforced which included requiring a spotter for welding, cutting or anything else with an exposed flame, also known as “hot work”, as well as needing about 50 gallons of water to ensure safety during such work.
The commissioners unanimously approved the extension of the burn ban for 90 days. If the KBDI index falls or if conditions change to where Bufkin would want to relieve the restrictions, the court can lift them after they consult with the fire chief.
