Eight Big Country counties face burn bans to combat fire risks

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

The Texas A&M Forest Service has reported that the following counties are currently under a burn ban:

• Callahan
• Nolan
• Mitchell
• Brown
• Scurry
• Fisher
• Stonewall
• Knox

Meteorologists from BigCountryHomepage.com are expressing their concerns about the fire danger amid the drought conditions in the area.

“With strong to severe thunderstorms in the forecast, the rain can be helpful, but the lightning can potentially spark fires where there is a higher risk for initiating the fires”, said KTAB Meteorologist Katalina Bell.

Bell also mentioned that the drought monitor may show improvements, but most areas in the west remain affected.

“Our U.S. drought monitor shows improvements, but many areas, especially in the west, remain affected,” Bell said.

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.