June 5th, 2008
San Marcos Fire Rescue Warns of Fire Danger

The deepening drought of 2008, scorching temperatures, low humidity and brisk winds mean high fire danger for San Marcos and much of Texas this summer.

Chief Mike Baker of San Marcos Fire Rescue has issued a reminder for residents to be aware of the fire risks and the rules to prevent wildfires in the San Marcos area.

Some rules to remember in San Marcos:

• Outdoor burning is prohibited at all times in the City limits, including trash burning or campfires.
• No fireworks of any kind-including sparklers-are allowed in the city limits at any time.
• Always dispose of barbecue coals properly-do not dump charcoal on the grass in parks or in your backyard.
• Follow safety precautions with outdoor grills and keep plenty of water handy.

“Earlier this year, it just took one spark from fireworks to start a fire that destroyed 800 acres just outside San Marcos,” said Chief Baker. “Such fires are difficult to contain and put out.”

San Marcos has had a total of only 8.29 inches of rain so far in 2008-or 6.22 inches below the historic average. The National Weather Service has listed several western states and part of Texas in its “Red Flag Warning” zone for high fire risk, with increasingly serious conditions anticipated for Central Texas.

The Hays County Commissioners on June 3 issued a burn ban prohibiting outdoor burning and banning sticks and fin fireworks in Hays County.

The outskirts of the city pose some of the greatest areas of fire danger, where wildland and urban settings meet, Baker noted. “This is where grassfires can impact neighborhoods and cause considerable destruction,” he said.

More information about summer fire safety tips is available online:

• San Marcos Fire Rescue: http://www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us/departments/fire/
• Free smoke detectors are available from San Marcos Fire Rescue for citizens of San Marcos by calling the Smoke Detector Information Line at (512) 393-8484.
• San Marcos fireworks ban (city code): http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=11549&sid=43
• Hays County burn ban: http://www.co.hays.tx.us/
• National Fire Weather Page http://fire.boi.noaa.gov/
• U.S. Fire Administration: https://www.usfa.dhs.gov/

For more information, call San Marcos Fire Rescue at 393-8460. Residents may also schedule a free in-home Fire and Life Safety inspection by calling San Marcos Fire Rescue during normal business hours.

By MELISSA MILLECAM
Communications Director – City of San Marcos