Effective at noon Friday, Jan. 3, a burn ban went into effect for Gillespie County.

The 90-day ban went into effect following a special meeting of the Gillespie County Commissioners Court on Friday, Jan. 3.

During the meeting, Gillespie County Fire Marshall Steve Olfers presented his case for the ban. County Judge Daniel Jones approved the ban.

“We felt that the time was right,” Olfers said. “There have been incredibly dry conditions that have persisted and are expected to continue.”

Though precipitation this week may help with conditions, Olfers said that because of the lack of a major freeze to this point, many fuel sources, like grasses, have stayed alive.

Olfers said his recommendations are always based in the opinion of the county’s various fire departments.

“I don’t move into a recommendation without those six departments. We communicate daily,” Olfers said.

Olfers said it’s important for residents to practice fire safety even once the ban is lifted.

“We’re blessed in Gillespie County that people are prudent,” Olfers said. “But when it is a good time to burn, always call dispatch and let them know.”

For more information on the ban, visit gillespiecounty.org.