8 Big Country counties still under burn ban due to lack of rain

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

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

• Coleman
• Runnels
• Eastland
• Callahan
• Taylor
• Fisher
• Shackelford
• Knox

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

“The burn bans are still in effect because we just haven’t seen enough rain to make a meaningful impact on the drought,” said KTAB Meteorologist Katalina Bell

The latest drought monitor update shows that moderate drought conditions have developed in our Southwestern counties this week. Although rain is expected over the next few days, it is unlikely to prevent the expansion of drought conditions in the area unless we experience an unusually heavy downpour. This is primarily because the anticipated rain will likely come in a moving line rather than as widespread showers. Regardless, we are significantly behind on rainfall for September. In Abilene, we’ve received only about half an inch of rain this month, while the average is around 2.7 inches,” KRBC Chief Meteorologist Dylan Smith 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