Hays County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to institute a temporary burn ban prohibiting outdoor burning in the county's unincorporated areas after emergency services officials warned of forecasted high winds and very low humidity.

Mike Jones, Hays County emergency services director, told the court the National Weather Service advised of incoming weather conditions similar to a recent fire event. "We're gonna have high winds, low humidity, which is pretty much what we experienced last week," Jones said, explaining that those conditions increase the risk of uncontrolled fires.

Jones told the court he has the authority to impose a burn ban unilaterally for a short period but that extending a ban beyond that initial period requires court approval. "So statutorily I have the ability to crude out and- put on a burn ban Turn on. Put on a burn ban by myself, but once that week has expired to extend it or add another 1, then it requires court approval, and that's why we're here," he said.

Members of the court asked for more frequent public-facing metrics on fire risk. Jones agreed to provide a weekly summary of the indices and forecasts his office receives, noting he receives a weekly AM report routed through the U.S. Forest Service and that one commonly used metric is the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). He said the KBDI "right now is is okay for us," but warned that Friday's weather would split the county with high winds and humidity below 15 percent.

The court then called the roll on the motion to impose the ban. Commissioners Inglesby, Cohen, Hammer and Smith voted "Yes," and County Judge Becerra also voted "Yes," recording a unanimous approval.

The court's action prohibits outdoor burning in the unincorporated parts of Hays County under the authority cited in the agenda item and as described by the emergency services director. Jones and court members indicated staff will circulate weekly metrics and outlooks to help public inquiries about current risk levels.