Wilson County to let burn ban expire after recent rainfall, fire marshal says

Wilson County officials moved on April 27 to allow the county's burn ban to expire after recent rainfall reduced drought risk, the county's fire marshal said.

The marshal reported that recent rainfall dropped the county's Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) to about 439 and said that Texas Forest Service guidance typically does not recommend a burn ban until KBDI values reach the 600s. "I'm more than comfortable with allowing this burn band to expire," the marshal said, adding the office will monitor weather and could reinstate a ban if conditions change.

Commissioners asked whether the expiration is immediate; the marshal said the duration is at the court's discretion but noted 90-day maximums for local orders. The county attorney advised that no action was required for the ban to expire, and the court accepted that approach.

Officials urged residents to remain cautious and to contact county offices if conditions worsen; no additional restrictions were adopted at the meeting.