Burnet Co. fireworks escape burn ban

MARBLE FALLS, Texas (KXAN) - Just short of a disaster, Burnet County is taking every step to prevent more problems during the drought. Three small fires over the weekend had Herb Darling visiting every fireworks stand. He posted signs there cautioning customers for the Fourth.

“We understand the livelihood of the people out here trying to make a living,” Darling said, “but we’ve also got to protect people’s lives and properties out here.”

The county’s largest fireworks display over Lake Marble Falls called it quits due to money matters. County commissioners believed that cancellation would push more people to celebrate on their own, even after a burn ban went into effect Friday.

However, under state law, commissioners had to declare this burn ban by June 15 to include fireworks. Burnet County Judge Donna Klaeger said they refrained from making that decision then, because of recent rains.

“Short of declaring a disaster,” Klaeger explained, “there’s not really anything we can do until the last minute.”

Klaeger suggested legislators consider updating the law to include emergency situations like the dry conditions in central Texas just before Independence Day.

“It’s very difficult for counties,” she explained, “and there’s been issues and a lot of conversation about it. As you know, you can’t make that decision on June 15.”

Klaeger added a warning of a possible local disaster declaration later this week if fires persist. That would mean calling in additional resources from outside the county.

Darling said, “Conditions have changed pretty rapidly here in the last few weeks, with two weeks of 100 plus degree temperatures, very low humidity and no rain.”

He said he hoped the current ban and the signs he posted Monday would be warning enough of how disastrous this week could be.

“Enjoy them, have fun, be safe,” he said.

The county’s sign at stands suggests the following:

• Pay attention to forecasted weather conditions
• Do not use fireworks during periods of high winds and low humidity
• Use fireworks only under close adult supervision in safe areas away from grass and brush
• Keep fireworks away from homes and structures
• Have a water source nearby to extinguish small fires
• Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water
• Pick up and dispose used fireworks properly