Rain dampens burn bans; Wildfire probability remains high in most areas

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

September 12, 2002 -- Even though some areas in East Texas received rainfall over the Sept. 7 weekend, people still need to be aware that conditions are highly probable for wildfires in extreme Northeast Texas, according to the Texas Forest Service.

"Short term, we are fine but as soon as the temperatures get back into the 90s, then we are back to where we were with a potential for wildfires," TFS officials said on Sept. 9.

Three counties, as of press time Monday, Sept. 9, remained under the burn ban: Red River, Bowie, and Morris counties.

The burn ban, according to the Bowie County judge's office, means all outdoors burning is prohibited. The ban, which went into effect in that county on Sept. 3, will remain in effect for 90 days.

"People in the rural areas are calling our office asking if they can burn their trash. The answer is no," said Lisa Thomas from the judge's office.

Thomas explained that just because the ban stated 90 days, does not mean that it will stay in effect until then.

"As soon as we get substantial rainfall, the ban will be lifted. As of this morning, the forest service has suggested that the ban remain in place. The rainfall we received over the weekend was not enough to lift the ban," Thomas said on Sept. 9.

Bowie County and Morris County commissioners were to discuss the bans at their commissioner's courts on Sept. 9, with Morris County, at press time, considering lifting the ban.

Cass County's burn ban was lifted after receiving substantial rainfall over the weekend.

To get all burn bans lifted, TFS stated it will take two to three days of soaking rains to get some areas out of danger.

Soaking rains could come in the form of Tropical Storm Fay, as the depression moves across the state. Forecasters predicted more rainfall for the area this week.

According to AP reports, Fay is the first tropical storm to threaten Texas since June 2001. In Southeast Texas, Fay caused flooding, coastal erosion and some power outages. A tornado was reported in Wharton County, battering several home and other property.