Bastrop, Tx–Easter weekend showers had little effect on lowering the current wildfire danger in Bastrop County, Mike Fisher told county commissioners Monday. Fisher is the county’s emergency management coordinator.
All the fire department chiefs in Bastrop County urged retaining the ongoing ban on outdoor burning at least for the coming 45 days, said Fisher. Commissioners agreed to extend the emergency burn ban order, even as they said some farmers and ranchers need to burn off accumulated brush piles and similar refuse.
Fisher said there are a few ways to secure permission to burn even under present conditions, but the process can be cumbersome and might prove onerous.
On a related note, commissioners told Fisher he can apply for some state funds which may help some victims of the Wilderness Ridge Fire rebuild or relocate fire-damaged owner occupied homes. If approved, the money will come through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Fisher said the county’s applications is likely to be approved, and a decision could come in about 90 days.