When are outdoor burn bans issued? What to know as temperatures rise in Tarrant County
North Texas has felt the heat this week as temperatures consistently reach highs in the 90s with the hottest day in Fort Worth 101 on June 11.
If the temperature has felt warmer than what your phone weather app says, it could be due to the heat index which has ranged about 10 degrees warmer than the actual temperature.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth reported highs ranging in the 90s to the 100s Saturday with a heat index anywhere from 105 to 118.
Tarrant County was under an ozone no burn day on Friday, however there are no active burn bans at this time.
What is an outdoor burn ban?
It is a ban on any type of outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county.
An unincorporated area is a place that’s outside of a governmental municipality, meaning not governed by a city authority such as the City of Fort Worth. Therefore, unincorporated areas are under the county’s purview.
An outdoor burn ban applies to unincorporated areas of a county, since cities have their own ordinances prohibiting burning.
When is a burn ban issued?
Burn bans are issued when the county is under “imminent threat of severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property” due to a wildfire threat caused by drought conditions.
The bans are approved by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court and and last for a period of 90 days.
Can I barbecue during a burn ban?
The Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office says to use common sense when cooking outdoors during a burn ban.
- Gas grills are the safest outdoor cooking option. Please keep the flames covered during the operation of your gas grill.
- If you want to use a charcoal or wood-burning grill, it must be on a concrete, gravel or dirt surface at least five feet from any combustible materials. Please keep the cover on the grill during use.
- Smokers can be used if they are placed on a concrete, gravel, or dirt surface at least five feet from combustible materials. Keep the flames covered during use.
- Be sure to have a water source, such as a bucket of water or a garden hose, nearby in case of emergencies.
Is Tarrant County in a drought?
Tarrant County is under abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions as of Tuesday, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Last year, the county approved a burn ban ahead of Fourth of July due to persistent hot and dry weather and severe drought conditions.
What’s the difference between temperature and heat index?
The phrase “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” has some truth behind it.
The heat index is what the temperature “feels” like compared to the actual temperature. The index is influenced by relative humidity combined with air temperature.
The temperature in Fort Worth was 90 degrees on Friday at noon, however the humidity made it feel hotter and the heat index was 97 degrees.
How does ozone impact burning?
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality notes certain weather conditions should be noted before conducting an outdoor burning such as wind direction, temperature inversion and ozone levels.
On Friday the Dallas-Fort Worth area was in an Ozone Action Day and the air quality index was moderate.
