Big Country drought low, burn ban still in place for 6 counties

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Six counties in the Big Country are undergoing a burn ban, although the drought is low.

Texas A&M Forest Service has reported the following counties

• Brown
• Coleman
• Runnels
• Eastland
• Callahan
• Knox

Meteorologists from BigCountryHomepage.com provided an update on the weather conditions regarding the drought conditions.

“It’s been a mild, fairly wet summer across the Big Country. While recent rain hasn’t been heavy for everyone, most areas have stayed moist enough to limit fire danger. With fall — usually a wetter season — on the way, dry fuels will be less common and critical fire danger days less frequent. The latest drought monitor also keeps the Big Country drought-free. Heading into fall, we’re in good shape, as long as rainfall stays near or above average,” said KRBC Chief Meteorologist Dylan Smith.

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