Burn ban lifted

Shawn Larson

The burn ban for Cass County has been lifted effective August 22, 2022, due to the increase of the recent rain in the area. The ban has been in effect since July 8 due to unusual draft conditions.

The report from Cass County read, “Based on the collaborative decision of the Weather Assessment Committee comprised of the County Judge, the Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator, and the Texas A & M Forest Service, and due to the recent rain in all or part of Cass County, the BURN BAN HAS BEEN LIFTED for all unincorporated areas of Cass County, Texas effective immediately.

“Residents inside city limits within the county must contact their City Hall to determine if a burn ban is in effect for those areas.”

The last drought map on August 16, still showed Cass County in a D2 (Severe Drought) and D3 (Extreme Drought) depending on where you lived in the county. By the time this article is printed the maps may be updated.

According to NOAA, “Abnormal dryness and drought are currently affecting over 178 million people across the United States including Puerto Rico—about 57.4% of the population.” In the United States, California through to Texas have been under heavy drought conditions this year. Worldwide China, Europe, and the United States all appear to be reaping the unusual draft conditions.

As of August 22, the ten-day forecast shows rainy weather every day except this weekend, possibly giving a respite for Cass County citizens to enjoy a nice barbeque outside, and maybe even a campfire at the lake.