10 counties in the Big Country under burn bans

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Only 10 counties in the Big Country are currently under a burn ban due to fire concerns.

The Texas A&M Forest Service shows counties currently under a burn ban are:

• Callahan
• Eastland
• Brown
• Nolan
• Mitchell
• Runnels
• Fisher
• Stonewall
• Knox
• Throckmorton

As of Wednesday, February 12, the Texas A&M Forest Service also reported moderate fire conditions in most of the Big Country.

BigCountryHomepage.com meteorologists are expressing their concerns about the fire danger this week amid the drought conditions in the area.

“When a strong cold front moves through Big Country in the spring, a southwesterly wind usually picks up ahead of it. If this wind is strong, especially in the afternoon, it can cause dust and debris to lift. Be cautious during these conditions, particularly if there isn’t much rainfall, as problems tend to occur,” said KRBC Meteoroligst Clemente Morales.

The Texas A&M Forest Service shared tips on how to extinguish a fire:

• Never leave a campfire unattended; allow the wood to burn completely to ash if possible.
• Pour water on all embers until the hissing sounds stop.
• Stir the campfire ashes and water with a shovel.
• Scape logs to remove embers.
• Stir and make sure everything is wet and cold to the touch.