Johnson County court adopts outdoor burn ban effective July 29

The Johnson County Commissioners Court voted unanimously on July 27 to impose an outdoor burn ban beginning 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, citing rapidly drying fuels and forecasted 100-degree days.

Fire Marshal Marshall Moore told the court that one-hour fine fuels are ‘‘really ready to burn’’ and that recent heat and no forecasted rain make conditions hazardous. ‘‘We have seen that multiple times in this past week,’’ Moore said, urging advance public notice before the ban takes effect. Commissioner Woolley moved to adopt the order; Commissioner White seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

The court said the ban is intended to reduce the risk of wildfires during a period of high temperatures and low short-term moisture. County officials encouraged residents to watch the county website and local media for details about exemptions and enforcement during the ban.