• David Tewes •
• Originally published January 21, 2009 at 11:29 p.m., updated January 21, 2009 at 11:29 p.m.

A rash of wildfires that has threatened homes and lives is prompting Victoria County to get tough with burn ban violators.

"We have given them plenty of time to know that the burn ban has been in effect," County Judge Don Pozzi said. "We're left with little choice now after several warnings but to enforce the law."

Ron Pray, the county fire marshal, said he has been lenient since the burn ban went into effect Jan. 5 to give people time to learn about the ban.

But conditions that lead to wildfires have worsened and firefighters have been tied up for hours trying to douse the flames. There were four wildfires going on at the same time on Tuesday.

"It's a big concern for everyone in the community," Pray said. "We're going to become very strict and start issuing citations for people not complying with the rules."

He issued his first ticket for a burn ban violation Tuesday night to someone burning construction materials.

"The most common problem we're having right now is people burning without a screen," he said. "It will keep all the material in the barrel."

The screen, similar to a barbecue pit grate, must have holes no larger than one-half inch square. Pray recommended people buy grates made of heavy gage material because they last longer.

"The other big problem is people burning trash on the ground," he said. "It has to be burned in a burn barrel."

Only household trash can be burned in the barrels. Construction materials, yard waste and similar materials are not considered household trash.

Pozzi said one only needs to pick up the newspaper every morning to read about the large number of fires that have charred acres of land.

"The dangers are there and we have repeatedly talked about them," Pozzi said. "The last thing in the world we want is for someone to suffer bodily injury or serious consequences from one of these blazes."

If it takes getting tough on burn ban violators to prevent that, that's what the county will do, he said.

• WHY NOT TO BURN

  The Victoria County fire marshal's office has recorded 31 fires since the burn ban went into effect on Jan. 5, although not all were cause by violations of the ban.

  Justice of the Peace Stuart Posey ...

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WHY NOT TO BURN

The Victoria County fire marshal's office has recorded 31 fires since the burn ban went into effect on Jan. 5, although not all were cause by violations of the ban.

Justice of the Peace Stuart Posey said the typical fine for a burn ban violation is $600 and 60 hours of community service.

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