Local fire departments have been kept busy in recent weeks, answering dozens of calls despite the implementation of a 90-day burn ban by Van Zandt County Commissioners at their June 22 meeting.

VZC Fire Marshal Sean Davis spoke candidly about the risks facing residents at the time explaining, “As we head into July and August, the conditions do not look favorable for us. Most other counties around us have either implemented burn bans or are about to do so…The increase in temperatures is getting us into a bad season. Our fire departments are not responding to a whole lot of calls on this right now but with the dryness and the wind, fires are going to spread quickly and overwhelm their resources.”

The VZC burn ban proclamation adopted included the following points of emphasis:

‘This order is adopted pursuant to Section 352.081 of the Texas Local Government Code, and other applicable statutes. Pursuant to said statute, this order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for: firefighter training, public utility, natural gas pipeline, or mining operations, or planting or harvesting of agriculture crops or to outdoor burning activities that are conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048, Natural Resources Code, and meet the standards of Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code.

‘It is further ordered that the burning of combustible materials in an outdoor environment by any person is prohibited. Combustible materials include, but are not limited to, discarded cigarettes, natural vegetation such as grass, leaves and trees, and materials used outdoors in activities such as welding and any other activity that could result in a fire.

‘Notwithstanding above, welding is allowed by commercial/professional welders under the following guidelines only: a spotter is required for each welder, each cutter, each grinder, and for any activity that causes or may cause a spark.

‘All grass, leaves, brush and other easily combustible materials must be cleared within a 25- foot radius surrounding the area where the activity is to take place before any welding, cutting or grinding begins. The welding perimeter must be three times the height of the actual welding. Example: if the welding occurring 10 feet off the ground, a perimeter of 30 feet must be protected. If the perimeter cannot be cleared of vegetation, proper precautionary measures must be taken (Example: protecting brush, etc., by utilizing fire resistant tarps).

‘A minimum of 100 gallons of water must be available on-site. A minimum of one water pressure fire extinguisher per spotter is required.

‘Welding in an enclosed area or underground is acceptable.

‘No welding is permitted if winds are 10 MPH or greater or relative humidity is less than 30 percent.

‘Any welder or company conducting welding operations must, prior to activities, file with the VZC Sheriff’s office proof of effective liability insurance or be bonded in an amount of at least $300,000.

‘Prior to any welding activity, a phone call shall be placed by the welder or company conducting welding operations to the VZC Sheriff’s Department (903-567-4133) and the local fire department relaying the location of the project, cell phone for contact person, name of party responsible, and name of welder.

‘Notwithstanding above, agricultural burning is allowed under the following conditions only:

‘All grass, leaves, brush and other easily combustible materials must be cleared with in a minimum 25-foot radius surrounding the area where the activity is to take place before any agricultural burning begins. If the perimeter cannot be cleared of vegetation, proper precautionary measures must be taken (Example: protecting brush, etc., by utilizing fire resistant tarps).

‘Prior to any agricultural burning, a phone call shall by placed by the property owner to the VZC Sheriff’s Department and the local fire department relaying the location of the project, cell phone for contact person, and name of party responsible.

‘Notwithstanding above, professional public firework displays only:

‘All professional firework displays may be operated with an approved site plan and review done by the VZC Fire Marshal and appropriate fee paid. The professional firework contractor shall remit fee to cover the cost associated with the VZC Fire Marshal or his designee to be on scene during the event. These costs shall be made to the VZC Clerk’s office. The professional firework display must present proof of liability insurance and have made contact with the local fire department to provide onsite coverage during the event.

‘No burning permitted hereunder shall be allowed if winds are 10 MPH or greater or relative humidity is less than 30 percent.

‘It is ordered that the use of county equipment to help control fires on private property is hereby authorized when necessary to protect the public interest and safety.

‘In accordance with Section 352.081 of the Texas Local Government Code, a violation of this order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00.’

Local officials went on to stress the importance of having their addresses clearly marked and visible from the roadway in order to aid first responders that might be in route to handle an emergency call.

If the dwelling is located further from the front of the property, the house number should be displayed on a gate post, fence, mailbox, or other appropriate place that will make it visible from the street from all directions when approaching from the street.