updated July 16 -

Bee County commissioners voted Monday to lift the burn ban that has been in effect in the county for the past several months.

Recent rains have improved conditions to the point where residents living in the county who have to burn their trash can get some of that done until expected dry weather results in what is certain to be a reinstatement of the burn ban.

“I asked if we could do a temporary suspension of the ban so people can catch up,” said County Judge David Silva.

“We’ll probably reinstate it as soon as it gets dry again and it’s already gotten dry in some places,” the judge added.

County Fire Marshal Ken Orrell asked that anyone who plans a controlled burn, whether it be for burning trash or brush, please call the Bee County Sheriff’s Office before starting the fire so that the Beeville Volunteer Fire Department will know the location of those fires.

Otherwise, people burning trash may be embarrassed when they look up to see fire trucks and firemen driving up on their property.

Orrell said the lifting of the burn ban will allow people in the countryside to get rid of some of the trash and rubbish that has been piling up in certain locations in recent months.

The fire marshal warned that the commissioners court may be reinstating the burn ban in a couple of weeks if the current dry weather persists. He encouraged residents in the countryside to take advantage in this brief respite from the ban on burning outside.

“Be very cautious,” Silva urged. “We don’t want anyone to get hurt or lose property.”

The judge echoed Orrell’s comments about taking advantage of the suspension as soon as possible. He expects the ban to be back in effect before long.

“There’s no rain coming any time soon,” Silva said.