Significant rainfall needed to reverse drought situation.

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

June 23, 2005 - The lack of rain this summer has left most parts of East Texas dry, hot and nearly fuming.

According to Mahlon Hammetter, spokesperson for the Texas Forest Service (TFS), the drought situation in the northeastern part of the state is becoming serious because of deficient rainfall amounts during April and May.

Last May, most parts of east Texas received between three and four inches of rain. This May, these same areas saw less than an inch of rain, with exception areas near Dallas County.

Drought indexes for East Texas are rated high. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) indicates the level of moisture missing from the area, on a scale of zero to 800. Zero on the index indicates that no moisture deficiency has occurred. All counties in the northeastern portion of the state are currently rated at 500 or above. Forecasts for some areas are rated between 600 and 700 for the next two weeks. KBDI rates the drought expectancy for the next 14 days based on the assumption that minimal rainfall will occur and temperatures will remain high through the predicted period.

As vegetation begins to dehydrate in the dry heat, the probability of wildfire occurrences increases.

Hammetter explained the advisory and warning systems used to keep the public informed of the situation.

"Advisories mean that conditions are getting right for wildfires to occur," he said. "It's just to give people a heads up that they need to be more cautious."

Warnings issued by TFS indicate that wildfires are occurring and are expected to continue occurring.

Some East Texas counties have already issued a burning ban. Subject to burning bans are Collin, Lamar, Delta, Red River and Franklin counties. The burning ban is placed by county officials. Hammetter said while a county may have a burn ban in effect, it may pertain to the entire county or for specific precincts that are at an elevated risk level. The county judge or commissioner's court can verify the specific location of the burning ban.

Hammetter said that even with some rain, the situation would remain relatively the same.

"You aren't going to get much change in the situation with less than an inch of rain," he said.

Hammetter said many people assume that burning can be done safely after one rain. "It gives a false sense of security after rain," he said. He added that unless drawn-out storms pass through the area, most of the rain water runs off or is dried up by the heat, leaving the vegetation dry.

"It'll take a lot of rain to get out of the situation and it's going to take some good widespread showers and rains," Hammetter said. "Not one big thunderstorm."

According to Hammetter, long term relief comes only after the moisture in the soil is able to produce new green vegetation that will offset dried grass.

"Once you get dried grass, you're talking about significant and normal amounts of rain that will be needed," he added.

With that in mind, Hammetter said the future situation looks to remain the same. Burning bans will likely stay in effect for a while and more counties may issue the declaration. Those intending to burn should check with authorities.

Hammetter said a few fire-related occurrences can cause more serious problems.

"It doesn't take many folks disregarding the weather to create a wildfire advisory," he explained.

Not only can failing to recognize drought indicators, advisories, and bans cause and spread fires, violating a burning ban is a Class C misdemeanor in the state of Texas, and is punishable by a fine of $500.

Hammetter cautioned that the lack of a burn ban does not mean that trouble cannot arise while burning. "A person commits a crime if he recklessly allows a fire to escape his control," he said. Recklessness includes actions such as leaving the fire for a moment or failing to provide a fire-break. Hammetter described the legal definition used in those cases as "being conscious but careless." This carelessness is classified as a Class C misdemeanor (reckless damage or destruction) and is also punishable with a fine of $500.

As Independence Day approaches, fire safety should be considered when fireworks are utilized. Fireworks, on several occasions, have caused fires that spread and destroyed property. As dry conditions are expected to remain and the drought index is projected to rise, the likelihood of fires from all sources will increase.

The TFS is hoping to educate the public on droughts, burning, and fire safety. The Texas Interagency Coordination Center is part of the TFS and has several resources available on its website. Drought indexes, burn ban maps, and preventative suggestions can all be found at www.tamu.edu/ticc.