By Anton Riecher
A burn ban in place in Medina County since June 24 remains in effect after county commissioners tabled further action this month.
The ban was scheduled to expire on Sept. 21. However, permission to burn under exceptions to the ban can be obtained from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office dispatch.
A decision on whether permission is granted depends on changing conditions day-to-day, Medina County Emergency Management Coordinator Keith Lutz told county commissioners this month.
The ban allow exceptions to burn for activities related to public health and safety approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Those exceptions include firefighter training, public utility operations involving natural gas pipeline or mining or harvesting of agricultural crops.
Also exempted are burns conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048 of the Natural Resources Code. Finally, ceremonial fires are exempted provided that advance notice is given to the sheriff’s office and appropriate fire officials of time and location.
Burning of brush on property cleared by a landowner is permissible granted that permission is obtained from the sheriff’s dispatch and the county fire marshal. The landowner or the contractor must remain on scene to supervise and appropriate fire containment equipment must be on hand.
Breaking the burn ban is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 per violation.