Published: June 30, 2009 09:57 am      

Officials expect moderate fire danger this July 4th

Galen Scott

gscott@weatherforddemocrat.com

Courtesy will be among the most pressing issues for the Parker County Fire Marshal’s office this Fourth of July.

The number of grass fires reported daily in Parker County is increasing, but in most cases, local fire departments are achieving containment without calling for mutual aid.

So far, such effective fire supression has prevented the implementation of a burn ban or firework sales restriction.

Both measures were taken as a precaution against fire danger during the 2007 and 2008 Fourth of July fireworks selling seasons.

Noting local containment and a moderate fire danger ranking among wildfire prediction models, Parker County Fire Marshal Shawn Scott said he isn’t planning on recommending a burn ban this year.

“As it stands now, where most situations can be handled by one department, we’re going to continue to let things roll and see how it goes,” Scott said.

However, Scott said his office and other authorities will be out enforcing laws pertaining to the illegal use of fireworks.

Fireworks are outlawed within the City of Weatherford, which includes areas surrounding Weatherford Lake, once considered a hot spot for recreational pyrotechnics. The discharge of fireworks is also illegal over the Brazos River, according to Scott.

Enforcement action can be taken if aerial fireworks land on someone else’s home or other property. Scott anticipates the most difficulty his office will face this year will come from the discourteous discharge of fireworks.

“The way some of these subdivisions are set up — yes, they’re out in the county — but we still have to be good neighbors,” he said.

If rain remains scarce and temperatures in Parker County continue to exceed 100 degrees, grass, shrubs and trees will soon dry out recreating prime conditions for a devastating wildfire.

“We’re drying out fast and if we don’t get some rain pretty quickly, we’re going to see some big changes within the next two weeks,” Scott said.