Fire department answers several calls

Stephens County Commissioners enacted the second burn ban of the year Monday citing extreme fire danger that exists following little rain and temperatures consistently in the triple digits over the course of the past month.

Mesonet readings statewide have shown a severe lack of moisture compared to normal. Some places in the county have received 29 percent or less of the normal rainfall over the same time period in previous years. Some places in the county have only recorded percentages in the single digits.

The burn ban lasts two weeks and will be revisited then.

The resolution states “it is unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop or other wildlands, or to build a campfire or bonfire, or to burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass, range, crop, or other wildlands fire.”

There are exceptions such as equipment related to road construction projects and welding/cutting torch/grinding activities when wind speeds are less than 20 mph and a fire watcher is present other than the welder with access to pressurized water or a fire extinguisher.

Camping and outdoor cooking is permitted with the use of outside grilling receptacles, provided the activity is conducted over a non-flammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

The use of any fireworks is prohibited.

Violating the resolution could result in a misdemeanor charge, imprisonment for not more than a year and/or a $500 fine.