Comal County Burn Ban Extended as Drought Conditions Persist Despite Recent Rain
Residents across Comal County may have noticed damp ground and cooler temperatures in recent weeks. For many, that naturally raises the question: Is it safe to burn again?
According to county officials, the answer is still no.
The Comal County Burn Ban has officially been extended beginning Thursday, February 12 at 6:00 a.m., as drought indicators remain in a range that signals continued wildfire danger — even when conditions appear safer on the surface.
Why the Burn Ban Is Still in Effect in Comal County
While recent rainfall and even ice gave parts of the Hill Country temporary relief, the county’s Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) remains above 500, the threshold Comal County uses to implement and extend a burn ban.
The KBDI, widely used across Texas to measure soil dryness and wildfire potential, reflects moisture levels below the surface — not just what residents see on top of the ground. A reading above 500 indicates severe dryness in deeper soil layers, creating conditions where fires can ignite and spread quickly.
Even when grass looks damp in the morning, officials note that vegetation can dry out rapidly, especially on windy days. In South Central Texas, winter and early spring often bring unpredictable wind patterns that can carry embers farther than many expect.
For homeowners in Comal County — particularly those in rural areas, subdivisions near open land, or properties surrounded by brush — that risk is more than theoretical. Wildfires in Texas have historically spread rapidly under similar conditions.
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What the Comal County Burn Ban Means for Residents
Under the extended burn ban, outdoor burning of debris, brush piles, and other combustible materials remains prohibited unless specifically authorized.
Burn bans are not issued casually. As county officials emphasized, they are implemented strictly for safety — to reduce the risk of wildfires that could threaten homes, outbuildings, livestock, infrastructure, and lives.
For residents asking, “Can I burn in Comal County right now?” — the answer remains no under the current order.
Officials also remind residents that even small fires intended for brush cleanup can escalate quickly when underlying soil and vegetation are dry. In recent years, Texas wildfire response efforts have demonstrated how rapidly conditions can change.
Fire Prevention Is a Community Effort
For many longtime Comal County families, managing land and maintaining property often includes seasonal burning. Officials recognize that inconvenience, particularly after recent precipitation.
However, public safety remains the priority.
By extending the burn ban, the county aims to reduce strain on emergency services and protect neighborhoods from preventable wildfire incidents. In communities throughout the Texas Hill Country, cooperation during burn bans plays a critical role in keeping response resources available for medical emergencies, accidents, and other urgent calls.
Residents looking for full burn ban details, exceptions, and updates are encouraged to visit the Comal County Fire Marshal’s page at ComalCounty.gov for official guidance.
What Happens Next?
Burn bans are reviewed regularly and adjusted based on drought conditions, rainfall totals, and KBDI levels. If sustained moisture brings the index below the critical threshold, the county may revisit the order.
Until then, officials are asking for patience and cooperation.
For Comal County homeowners, ranchers, and property managers, the message is clear: surface moisture doesn’t always tell the full story. Beneath the ground, conditions remain dry enough to support wildfire spread.
Staying informed and following burn ban restrictions helps protect not only individual properties, but entire neighborhoods across Comal County.
For ongoing updates on local safety alerts, county decisions, and community impacts, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
