In response to prevailing hazardous conditions, Aransas County has enacted a 60-day prohibition on outdoor burning, effective from September 28, 2026. This decision was made during a regular meeting of the Aransas County Commissioners Court, as outlined in an official order issued by County Judge Ray A. Garza. The order aims to mitigate public safety risks associated with outdoor fires in the unincorporated areas of the county.
According to the order, all forms of outdoor burning, including the disposal of trash, debris, yard waste, trees, brush, and paper, are prohibited. However, exceptions are made for outdoor burning conducted for cooking or heating purposes, provided strict safety measures are adhered to. These include maintaining a clear radius of ten feet from vegetation and combustible materials, having adequate fire suppression equipment on hand, and ensuring that cooking devices are fully enclosed and powered by propane, natural gas, wood, or charcoal.
The order also permits welding and other hot work activities under stringent conditions. These activities must be conducted in areas cleared of vegetation and debris within a 25-foot radius, with the surface wetted down to prevent ignition. Additionally, wind speeds must not exceed 15 miles per hour during such operations, and a dedicated fire watch person is required to monitor the activities. A minimum of 100 gallons of water, capable of being sprayed, must be available at the site to address any potential fire hazards.
These measures are deemed necessary by the Commissioners Court to address the unsafe conditions that currently exist within the county, which pose a significant public safety hazard. The order is grounded in Section 352.081 of the Texas Local Government Code, which grants the Commissioners Court the authority to restrict outdoor burning under such circumstances.
The public is urged to comply with these regulations to ensure community safety and prevent potential fire-related incidents. For more details on the specific provisions and exceptions of the order, residents can refer to the official document issued by the Aransas County Public Notices.