(Seguin) – Residents will have to wait a little while longer before they can resume outdooring burning in the unincorporated areas of Guadalupe County. County commissioners on Tuesday voted to extend the existing order prohibiting outdoor burning. The 90-day extension will officially continue the order that was originally set to expire on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher says while surrounding areas are reporting various degrees of drought conditions, it’s important to manage what most of the residents in Guadalupe County are experiencing.
“We’ve had it sprinkle and be foggy and have high humidity for a number of days, so it makes people think ‘hey, it’s a lot different than it was. The concern is always telling people that they can’t do something with their property that they want to do. The dangerous thing is if everything is dormant, everything has either frozen or burnt or turned already from a little frost – we have had limited rain. It creates a challenge,” said Kutscher.
Not only are conditions unsafe but the sale of fireworks over the holiday season also played a factor in the court’s overall decision. Although the court extended the burn ban, Commissioner Pct. 1 Greg Seidenberger reminded the public that things could still change should there be an improvement.
“I think we should approve the extension and then leave it up to the discretion. If we do get some rain, then between the judge and the fire marshal and a couple of phone calls, I think we can lift it if it bears lifting. But I really think the prudent thing to do is extend it,” said Seidenberger.
Those with additional questions are encouraged to call the Guadalupe County Emergency Management Office at 830-303-8856.