Travis County Commissioners Court
February 19, 2008
Item 2
2. Consider and take appropriate action on an order prohibiting outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Travis County.
>> good morning, pete baldwin, Travis County emergency management coordinator. We did receive some rain over this past weekend. However, most of it trained up the eastern corridor, east Travis County seemed to receive the most beneficial rain. Parts of it, especially Commissioner Gomez's precinct. There were reports of an inch and a half. However, out in western Travis County, west of 35, there were places that got less than a third of an inch. So bottom line is that we didn't receive the soaking beneficial rains that we needed in order for us to recommend lifting this. I’ve heard from nearly 100% of my chiefs on the west side of 35 and all to ask that it be -- that it be left in place. We have another system coming in, Wednesday and Thursday, we may have another shot at rain. I would suggest that we leave the ban in place, take no action, take another look at it next Tuesday.
>> historically, we have taken the position that we either appear plight ban to all of the -- we either apply the ban to all of the county or none of it.
>> yes, sir.
>> rain on the east side, but none on the west side.
>> the chief said -- we had a long discussion about that. We do have the ability under the law to split the county and do half and half or a quarter or whatever we would like under a burn ban. But the chief said it's a lot easier on enforcement if we are consistent across the county. Therefore everyone is saying the same thing and that's also -- it better helps us in managing our resources.
>> okay.
>> by taking the order today, we leave the ban in effect and the current ban expires March 5th.
>> yes, sir.
>> we are carrying this week to week?
>> yes, sir.
>> if the conditions change we will be able to take appropriate action.
>> correct.
>> thank you.
>> thank you.
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Last Modified:
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 8:09 PM