Walker County Commissioners Court approved a countywide burn ban on Monday. It is set to take effect at 9 a.m. Wednesday unless County Judge Colt Christian cancels it. The ban would be reinstated after an August ban that took effect Aug. 24 was lifted Oct. 5.
Emergency Management Coordinator Josh Mizrany told commissioners Monday that live fuel moisture in loblolly pines is critically low. He said it is the lowest it has been at any point since 2001, including 2011. Low fuel moisture increases wildfire risk.
The ban may not be needed if Tuesday's rains sufficiently improve dry conditions in the county, according to the report.