Dateline: January 12, 2006

Fire ban includes outdoor grilling

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

A ban on outdoor burning, which includes home barbecue grills and smokers, remains in effect despite snow that covered much of Donley County Monday morning.

Officials say the precipitation, while helpful, will not completely alleviate the dangerously dry conditions which resulted in the loss of more than 21,000 acres to a wildfire on New Year’s Day.

Tommie C. Saye, Cooperative Observer for the National Weather Service, recorded about an inch of snow Monday which yielded 0.09 inches of moisture.

That was the first measurable precipitation since October of last year when Clarendon received 1.20 inches over two days. With temperatures expected to reach the 50s and 60s this week, it won’t take long before conditions are ripe again for another wildfire.

The Donley County Sheriff’s Office reminds all citizens that the burn ban is being enforced, and that ban will remain in place until county commissioners repeal it. One citation has already been issued, Sheriff Butch Blackburn said Monday.

State Forester and Director of the Texas Forest Service, Jim Hull, says this winter’s fire season is the worst he’s seen in nearly ten years since he became state forester in 1996.  He is urging Texans to remain on their guard against any actions that could result in additional wildfires in the state.

“Current fire threat conditions are so extreme that almost any wildfire has the potential to exceed local control at this point,” said Hull. “And we need all Texans’ help in guarding our state against the devastation of these fires.”

The Texas Forest Service responded to 17 new fires burning 925 acres during a 24 hour period ending January 7.  Twenty-nine homes were threatened, three homes were lost, and 26 homes saved.  In Hood County, a welder was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment.

The New Year’s fire in Donley County was started when a cottonwood tree fell into power lines and caused sparks. Over the next 26 hours, the fire burned an estimated 21,350 acres and destroyed one barn before local, area, and state agencies could bring it under control.

Fire conditions continue to remain extreme with red flag warnings posted over most of the state.   Total acres burned to date since January 1, 2006, in West Texas are 205,059 acres.  Fire suppression costs are $5,272,719 dating to November 28, 2006.

Local fire officials have urged all residents to clear dry grass and brush within 100 feet of their homes. The Eastern Texas Panhandle Red Cross says families should decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten their area. 

When wildfire threatens, follow the instructions of local officials.  If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.  Only if you have the time, the Red Cross says, take these steps to protect your home.  Close windows and heavy drapes, close vents, all interior and exterior doors.  Remove lightweight curtains.  Shut off gas at the meter or propane tank.  Turn off all pilot lights.  Close fireplace screens.  Move flammable furniture into the center of the home away from windows and sliding glass doors.  

Outside of your home, seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood.  Place combustible patio furniture inside. Connect garden hose to outside taps.  Place lawn sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof and shrubs within 15 feet of home. 

Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster.  Pick two meeting places:  one a safe distance near your home in case of fire and the second option outside your neighborhood in case you can not return home.  Choose an out of state friend as a “check-in contact” for everyone to call.