High winds lead to Llano County burn ban
The Llano County Commissioners Court reinstated a countywide burn ban during its regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 27. The ban came at the recommendation of county Emergency Management Coordinator Gilbert Bennett, who warned that the combination of high winds and low humidity could significantly increase fire risks.
Bennett told commissioners that five volunteer fire department chiefs also pushed for the ban.
Llano County and much of south-central Texas is under hazardous weather conditions due to high winds until 6 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Winds will be at 15-25 mph and humidity levels at 10-20 percent throughout the week.
A Kingsland home caught fire on the night of Feb. 26 after coals in an unattended burn barrel reignited due to the high winds. Flames were blown toward the house, Bennett said.
“It’s undetermined how long (the winds) will persist,” he told DailyTrib.com. “Only God knows that answer.”