HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas — Henderson County has declared a Local State of Disaster due to the extended drought and increase of wildfires within the county, according to documents.
County Judge Wade McKinney signed the declaration today in response to the wildfires experienced within county lines over the last week. This declaration will last for seven days, unless extended by the commissioners court.
In this week alone, Henderson County firefighters have responded to 40 fires and 134 in the month of July, the declaration states. The current drought conditions are fueling the wildfires.
"Our first responders are reaching their limit," McKinney said. "Day and night they are working to protect life and property from these fires. We all need to work to limit the demand for their services."
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M Forest Service maintan the Keetch-Byram Drought Index to determine fire potential. The average KBDI value for Henderson County today was 712 with a high of 746, but a burn ban is indicated when the KBDI is 575.
"The KBDI value for Henderson County is now within the highest range of the index, indicating a severe drought and increased wildfire occurrence," the declaration states.
The declaration bans the following:
- Outdoor burning of materials that can combust by any resident. Combustible materials include fireworks; burning of trash; brush and open campfires; and materials used in outside activities that can lead to fire
- Throwing away of cigarettes or cigars and their ashes is prohibited unless they are thrown out in a container that is known to extinguish flames.
Outdoor welding is allowed, but only in certain circumstances:
- Welding, cutting, and grinding cannot take place if the wind is over 15 mph
- All grass, leaves, brush and other combustible materials must be cleared within a 20 foot radius of any welding
- A spotter with water and a pressurized system to deliver the water, like a hose, must be on hand before any welding can start.