City of Marshall enforces burn ban amid dry conditions

The decision is based on readings from the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), a scale that measures drought conditions on a scale of 0 to 800 based on soil moisture depletion, daily temperature, precipitation, and annual rainfall patterns.

The city is currently at 670 on the scale; the threshold for implementing burn restrictions is 650.

Fire Chief David Rainwater explained, “Many residents may notice brief showers or light rainfall and assume fire danger has decreased, but this is often not the case. Light rain may wet surface vegetation temporarily, but it doesn’t penetrate deeply enough to restore soil moisture or significantly impact the drought index. The underlying dry conditions that create fire danger remain.”

During the burn ban, outdoor burning, including campfires and fire pits, as well as fireworks and other pyrotechnics, and welding or other spark-producing activities are prohibited.

Residents are encouraged to properly dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials, avoid parking on dry grass, remove dead vegetation around structures, exercise caution with outdoor activities that could produce sparks, and report fires to 911 immediately.

The ban will remain in effect until weather conditions improve and the KBDI drops to safer levels.