From the County Judge's Office
Parker County Commissioners voted unanimously to extend the burn ban in Parker County for another 30 days at a special called meeting of the court held Monday morning, March 3.
Though rain fell Sunday and Monday, Parker County continues to be included in a state disaster declaration and conditions remain high for grass fires.
“Until we get green grass, conditions are still ripe for fires,” Parker County Judge Mark Riley said. “It is expected to clear off by Tuesday of this week with high winds returning, keeping the situation at a dangerous level.”
Parker County Commissioner Precinct 3 John Roth said if there were any grass fires over the next couple of days the fire trucks would have a difficult time getting to the fires due to the muddy fields.
Parker County Fire Marshal Shawn Scott said the high wildfire threat will remain as long as the dead vegetation remains.
According to the order, “the use of combustible materials in an outdoor environment by any person is prohibited. Combustible materials include, but are not limited to the use of all fireworks, discarding of cigarettes or other flammable materials, materials used in activities such as welding and any other activity that could result in a fire.”
If welding must be performed in the field, the following safety precautions are in effect:
• All areas where welding, cutting or grinding operations are being performed will be free of vegetation for at least twenty five feet in all directions;
• Surface around welding area will be wetted down;
• Wind speeds must be no more than 20 miles per hour while performing welding, cutting or grinding operations outside of barriers or enclosures;
• A dedicated fire watch person will attend each welder, cutter, grinder and any activity that causes a spark;
• A minimum of one (1) water pressure fire extinguisher per fire watch person is required;
• Each site will have cellular telephone communications for emergency response;
• All welding, cutting and grinding operations may be performed in a total welding enclosure, or “welding box”, that is sufficiently high to control sparks and includes a fire retardant cover over the top. Winds speeds must not exceed 30 miles per hour while utilizing an enclosure;
i. Where welding (above ground and sub-surface) is required in an area where there is a potential for a hazardous atmosphere, barriers will be substituted for total enclosures (e.g. “wind walls”) to prevent sparks from coming in contact with any combustible material;
ii. The barriers will be installed to allow ventilation of the work area and ingress and egress to the work area for personnel safety;
iii. Sub-surface, or “bell hole”, welding and grinding operations within approved excavations are allowed if all other mitigation efforts are included;
If an emergency exists where welding has to be performed, the Fire Marshal may issue a temporary exception to the order.