It’s getting hot out here

Throughout the state of Texas, local governments are empowered to take action on behalf of those they serve as drought conditions persist and record head indexes mark gauges, enacting burn bans to prohibit or restrict outdoor burning for public safety.

Jefferson, Orange and Hardin Counties each enacted burn bans last week for the safety of their residents.

“This ban is due to drought conditions in the area in an effort to protect lives and properties of the residents in Orange County. Officials will continue to monitor these conditions,” said Orange County Judge John Gothia.

During the Aug. 1, Jefferson County Commissioners Court regular meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to extend the burn ban enacted by the county judge the week prior throughout Jefferson County, specifically restricting outdoor burning and indicating that local fire departments and emergency responders are not adequately staffed and equipped to respond to fires that are not controlled adequately.

According to state law, a violation of the order is a Class C misdemeanor with a penalty assessable of up to $500 per incident.

Hardin County Judge Wayne McDaniel, who issued a declaration of disaster and order restricting outdoor burning on July 27, extended the ban for a period of 30 days on Aug. 1.

Texas A&M Forest Service is warning of increased wildfire danger as high temperatures and dry condition continue to impact the state.

“Since mid-July, wildfire activity has increased substantially across Texas due to expanding drought conditions,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service fire chief. “Over the past two weeks, state and local firefighters have responded to 280 wildfires that burned almost 10,000 acres.”

According to the Forest Service, regions with increased risk include areas east of Interstate 45 and south of Inter - state 20, including communities near Jacksonville, Center, Lufkin, Crockett, Huntsville, Woodville, Cleveland, Kirbyville and Jasper.

Additionally, resources available to those needing respite from this week’s scorching heat are available in two Beaumont locations.

The Salvation Army cooling station at 2350 Interstate 10 East is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, as well as Henry’s Place at 1107 McFaddin Ave., which is open 8:30-11 a.m., closed while guests enjoy lunch at the Anne Rogers Vaxler Nutrition Center, and reopens at 1 p.m. until 3 or 5 p.m. according to volunteer availability.

According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat warnings will remain in effect this week, with heat index values expected to reach up to 116 in portions of central, south central, southwest and west central Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Texas A&M Forest Service provides an up-to-date, statewide map of counties included in the burn ban, which is avail - able online at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/ TexasBurnBans/.

“Texas A&M Forest Service is working closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, fire departments and local jurisdictions across the state to monitor conditions and assess needs locally to best position resources for a quick and effective response to any request for assistance,” said Moorehead. “It is vitally important that everyone be mindful of current conditions and remain diligent with any activity that creates sparks.”