In a unanimous vote, the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court implemented a 90-day burn ban for VZC, effective immediately, during their regular meeting June 22.

The 90-day burn ban proclamation, known as an ‘Order Prohibiting the Outdoor Burning of Combustible Materials’ was approved by the court following a presentation by VZC Fire Marshal Sean Davis.

“Most other counties around us have either implemented burn bans or are about to do so,” pointed out Davis to the commissioners’ court. “Henderson County implemented their burn ban yesterday (June 21). Kaufman County is planning to implement their burn ban soon. It is my recommendation that we do that here in VZC. 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.”

Davis said that there are a few changes to the current burn ban proclamation compared to the last time a burn ban was issued in VZC in 2019.

“In the previous burn ban in 2019, it included fireworks and outdoor cooking,” said Davis. “This year, we missed the cutoff for banning fireworks. That needed to be done 21 days before permits were issued. We cannot restrict someone using their outdoor grill. Professional welding can still occur.”

VZC Pct. 3 Commissioner Keith Pearson made the motion to implement the 90-day burn ban and VZC Pct. 1 Commissioner Chad LaPrade seconded the motion as VZC Pct. 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. and VZC Pct. 4 Commissioner Tim West joined the unanimous vote.

“It looks like we are in for the long haul on this burn ban proclamation with the predicted high temperatures to continue,” said Melton.

Davis said that he recently spoke to a member of the Texas Forestry Service in Henderson County.

“The samples they are getting continue to show bad numbers moving forward and there is just no substantial rainfall coming up in their forecast,” summarized Davis. “As we head into July and August, the conditions do not look favorable for us.” The VZC burn ban proclamation reads as follows:

‘Whereas, the VZC Commissioners Court has determined that circumstances present in all or part of the unincorporated areas of VZC create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning:

‘It is hereby ordered by the VZC Commissioners Court that all outdoor burning is banned for 90 days in the unincorporated area of VZC or until further consideration by the VZC Commissioners Court ordered this day on the 22 ^nd day of June 2022.

‘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 on-site 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.’

The next regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, in the VZC Courthouse.