This week all of East Texas was classified as an area with Extreme Drought conditions.
According to the KBDI scale, with extreme drought environment it would take close to eight inches of rain to fully saturate the soil again. So even if we get the rain that is predicted next week, chances are it won’t be enough to take us out of fire danger.
For the last two weeks Orange County and the surrounding areas have been under a Burn Ban. On top of that cities are beginning to ask the public to refrain from watering lawns and washing cars because of the strain on our water supply. Add to that low humidity and brisk south winds and you have the ingredients to start a fire that many don’t think about.
Captain Elgin Browning of the Bridge City Fire Department says more than ever, people need to be aware of how easy a fire can start in these conditions.
“We talk about the ‘Fire Triangle’ which is Fuel, Heat and Oxygen,” he said. “Each side of the triangle represents one of the three components needed to have a fire.”
“People don’t think that dropping a cigarette on the ground would be enough start a fire but we see it all the time. Even mowing your grass or parking your vehicle in tall grass. You have the engine and the muffler that are hot. And the catalytic converter can get up to 800 degrees.”
Browning stated that with these conditions, even burning in closed areas like a barrel or a BBQ pit are not recommended. “You step away and a spark or ember comes out it won’t take long. Wooden fences are super dry. It’s just best not to do it right now.”
And let’s not forget our firemen who are in this 100 degree heat, exerting a lot of energy with 45-50 pounds of equipment added to their body. Do your part to keep them safe, along with the people around you.
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