Nueces County Judge Connie Scott on Monday lifted a countywide burn ban on outdoor activities, including beach bonfires and campfires, according to a county news release.
Windy and dry conditions that persisted over the winter led the county to implement a burn ban that was in effect through April 13.
On March 7, ahead of spring break, the city of Corpus Christi issued a burn ban at its beaches and parks that expired March 23.
According to the county, the Keetch Byram Drought Index currently stands at 327, which is below the threshold of 500 that typically triggers a burn ban.
The index, which helps determine forest fire and wildfire potential, is based on daily water balance, which weighs the drought factor against precipitation and soil moisture, according to the Texas A&M University-Texas Weather Connection.
Wildfires spread throughout Nueces County, San Patricio County and surrounding areas of South Texas this spring as a result of the dry weather, and the KBDI was at 650 when the county decided to issue the burn ban, according to a previously published news release.
However, as much as 3 inches of rain fell on some of the coastal cities within and outside of the area’s watershed on March 27, bringing the index below the 500-level threshold.
“The rain has brought down the index quite a bit — almost by half,” said Dee Hawkins, Nueces County emergency management coordinator.
Hawkins said that if the area does not get any more rain, conditions will get dry again, and there is a chance that the county will reimplement the burn ban.
“Right now, conditions are such that we can lift it so people can do burns if they need to,” she said. “We just want them to be responsible.”
Before burning, residents should ensure that they have a reliable water supply and appropriate equipment to effectively manage the burn and prevent it from spreading.
They should avoid burning near brush, wooden fences or any structures that could potentially catch fire.
All burns must be completely extinguished by nightfall and must not be left unattended under any circumstances.
People with questions about safe burning practices should reach out to the Corpus Christi Fire Department at 361-826-CITY (2489) or their local fire department or emergency services district.
More: Is it a wildfire or a prescribed burn? What to know about outdoor burning and burn bans
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Nueces County burn ban is lifted, though county officials urge caution
Reporting by Katie Nickas, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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