Drought and strong winds in the Coastal Bend create a high fire risk, prompting a burn ban in Nueces County. Local authorities remain vigilant to prevent disasters.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Dry and windy conditions have set a fire danger alert across the Coastal Bend this weekend.
According to Corpus Christi Fire Department Assistant Chief of special services David Zarate says these are the perfect recipe for a fire disaster.
“We have drought-like conditions with the dry fuels that we have on the ground, and then with Corpus Christi winds with gusts up to 20 miles an hour, if a fire starts, it can move quickly, right. That wind really it it it accelerates the movement of of those types of fires,” Zarate said.
Fires like the one burning in the Texas Panhandle-where 10 firefighters from CCFD are assisting. Zarate said local crews are ready to respond.
“So when we have these high fire danger alerts, we always prepare. Throughout the entire city with UTVs that can respond to these brush fires and then we also have brush trucks that are always on the ready to be deployed for these types of fires,” Zarate said.
The ongoing drought conditions are what Nueces County Judge Connie Scott is monitoring, as the current burn ban remains in effect.
“In light of the current situation and the drought we’re in and the governor’s disaster declaration for the severe drought. So I anticipate that we will be renewing this burn ban for Nueces County for the. foreseeable future until we get some relief on this,” Scott said.
Scott reminds the public that if the burn ban isn’t followed, you could face a fine of up to $500.
“Any outdoor burning campfires things like that any burning of trash out in the rural areas out of the city limits or anything like that,” Scott said. “So, pretty much anything you start a fire, it’s not good.”
Zarate said crews will be on high alert, especially in certain areas.
“We always look at the outskirts of the city is one of those areas that has high risk, but also the south side the newly developed south side is always one of those areas as well, usually around Yorktown and Rockfield,” Zarate said. “We’re always keeping an eye out for that area because we do have a lot of heavy brush .”
Scoot has one last message to the community…
“I urge everyone to please heed these warnings. Please listen to the governor’s proclamation. Please listen to the Nueces County Burn Ban. Please, let’s do what we can right now to get through these challenging times. They will pass this time will pass, but right now we’re here,” Scott said.
Zarate urges the community to stay on high alert this weekend as well and if you see a fire, call 911 immediately.