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Officials Cite Weekend Blazes, Remind Residents of Burn Ban

Posted/updated on: October 20, 2015 at 4:42 pm
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burn-ban_3TYLER — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to several fires over the weekend and is urging residents not to burn, according to a news release from the county. The Commissioners Court voted October 13 to implement the county’s second burn ban of the year. Smith County Assistant Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson said the office received six calls throughout the county at which a fire marshal was needed. McCoy-Wasson says a person continued to drive on a rim of a wheel after suffering a blown tire on Eastside Road, sparking fires along the roadway. Another fire on County Road 4113 was caused by a lawnmower that set the grass on fire and spread into a structure, McCoy-Wasson reported. Other fires were started by people burning trash, violating the burn ban. McCoy-Wasson said one ticket was issued Sunday for reckless destruction in the Lindale area.

KTBB’s Dr. Bob Peters says humidities are expected to rise during the week, with lots of rain predicted for the weekend. Meantime, though, McCoy-Wasson says conditions are extremely dry with humidity at 31 percent and dropping during the day as heating continues. She urged Smith County citizens to refrain from burning as the conditions are still very dry and fires are spreading very quickly.

Smith County Judge Joel Baker said following the burn ban is important to protect the citizens and their families, as well as their property. Baker says dry, windy weather conditions put the county at a high risk of extreme fires. He asks everyone not to burn until Smith County receives rain and officials have lifted the burn ban. Under the burn ban restrictions, barbecue grills can be used for cooking food as long as a lid is used. Fire pits and campfires, however, are prohibited because they are not covered vessels.

Actions Prohibited: A person violates this order if he or she burns any combustible material outside of an incorporated city limits, or orders such burning by others.

a. COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS shall include, but are not limited to, the use of all fireworks; all tobacco products which are discarded, still burning; the use of burn barrels, campfires, and any other activity that could result in an outdoor fire. It does not include the use of vessels specifically designed for the preparation of food that contain all open flames and flammable materials.

b. Welding Operations shall be prohibited with the exception of Welding Operations conducted under the following guidelines:

1. A 30’ area clear of any combustible materials, where welding, cutting or grinding operations are being performed;

2. A 30’ area clear of any combustible materials is required with an enclosure that is covered;

3. Anything elevated above 20’ – the radius will increase by two feet for every elevated foot;

4. Surface around area will be wetted down;

5. Wind Speed must be less than 15 MPH (Maximum);

6. Relative humidity must be above 30 percent;

7. One fire guard watching with pressurized extinguishers on site for every person welding, cutting, or grinding;

8. Each site will have cellular telephone communications for emergency response;

9. All welding, cutting and grinding operations may be performed in a total welding enclosure, or “welding box,” that is sufficiently high enough to control sparks and includes a fire retardant cover over the top. Wind speeds must not exceed 30 mph while utilizing an enclosure;

When welding (above ground and sub-surface) is required in an area where there is potential for a hazardous atmosphere, barriers will be substituted for total enclosures (e.g. “wind walls”) to prevent sparks from coming in contact with any combustible material;

The barriers will be installed to allow ventilation of the work area and ingress and egress to the work area for personnel safety;

Sub-surface, or “bell hole,” welding and grinding operations within approved excavations are allowed if all other mitigation efforts are included;

ALL persons welding outdoors must notify and register with the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office at 903-590-2652 before beginning operations. After 5 p.m. and weekends, call 903-566-6600.



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