Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 540
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@co.collin.tx.us

July 30, 2003

Risk of wildfires remains high in Collin County

(McKinney, TX) - The risk of wildfires in Collin County remains high. According to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which helps determine a fire risk, the county is an EXTREME FIRE DANGER AREA this week.

On Monday, the KBDI exceeded the 600 mark and at one point this week it reached the 692 mark. “The index shows that moisture is low and the threat of wildfires is high,” says Collin County Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh. “Local fire departments have been responding to a number of wildland fires for the past couple of weeks. In fact, we’ve been averaging about two to three small grassfires each afternoon.”

Humidity usually drops below 40% between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. “Our afternoon humidity has been dropping to near 30% for the past couple of days,” says Deffibaugh. “This creates a very hazardous condition.”

Fire prevention at home and at the workplace is the key. Keeping right of ways mowed decreases the fuel load and slows the spread of wildland fires. Vehicles can also cause grassfires. Off road vehicles, such as ATV’s and dirt bikes and even cars that are driven off-road in tall grass can ignite a grass fire. Lawn mowers and weed eaters can also cause fires by hitting rocks or metal objects that spark.

The Collin County Commissioners’ Court implemented an outdoor burning ban earlier this month. The burn ban will remain in effect until October 12th unless conditions exist which would allow for the extension or lifting of the ban.

Additional information on fire prevention can be obtained from the county website at www.co.collin.tx.us or by visiting www.firewise.org.

###