Nacogdoches County issues burn ban after increase in fire calls

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - Nacogdoches County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a countywide burn ban after an increase in burn-related fires.

Fire officials are urging caution, saying one ember can destroy a home.

Nacogdoches County Emergency Management Coordinator Tara Triana said crews have seen a surge in fire calls over the past week.

“In just the last 7 days we’ve had 33 related fire calls, and 23 of those were grass fires,” Triana said. “At one point yesterday we had four or five fire calls going on at the same time.”

Triana attributed the increase to dry weather.

She said she thinks most of the recent fires were caused by people burning debris and the fires getting out of hand because people do not understand the conditions.

Triana said she talked to volunteer fire department chiefs and state fire officials before recommending the countywide burn ban.

“There is a small chance of rain going into the weekend, but that’s not going to fix the dry conditions we have now,” Triana said.

Nacogdoches Fire Marshal Jody Chandler said burning accidents can happen in a blink of an eye.

“If it was to get out of control, on the right conditions, a very small fire that you think is controlled can escalate really large and then start talking about losing businesses and homes,” Chandler said.

Chandler offered several tips to stay safe: don’t park on dry grass, make sure trailer chains don’t drag and watch your surroundings.

“People with a small fire in their backyard, they think it’s a normal day, it wouldn’t happen to me, and then low and behold an ember floats away and catches your yard on fire and then catches the neighbor’s yard,” Chandler said.

“Always be cautious and aware of what you’re doing at all times,” Chandler said.

Chandler said that even when a burn ban is in place, the city has precautions against burning. Burning is not allowed within city limits without a permit, he said.