Bexar County Commissioners today approved a ninety day burn ban, citing the extremely dry, windy conditions, and tall dry grass grown during the last two 'wet summers' as a potential danger for wildfires, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
County Fire Marshal Chris Lopez says there have already been more than 650 grass fires in the county this year, the the triple digit temperatures, often accompanied by gusty winds, make the situation even more dire.
Only burning of household waste in special 'burn barrels' complete with wire mesh lids to prevent burning items from being blown into the grass will be allowed.
The fine for illegal burning is $500.
The burn ban will be in place through the end of October, unless it is terminated early by a vote of Commissioners Court.