The Brown County Burn Ban remains in effect.  County Commissioners on Monday morning briefly discussed the status of the Burn Ban and quickly determined conditions have not improved, have only worsened, keeping wildfire danger high.

During the Commissioners meeting Monday, Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator Darrell Johnston reported that there were four grass fires in the county on Sunday afternoon.

The largest fire was north of Bangs on 585, burning an estimated 35 acres.  Four homes were threatened but were saved.  (see photo below courtesy of Brownwoodnews.com)

“We lost one cabin on FM 585.  It was not occupied.  Some of them (fires) were due to carelessness, another was an accidental electrical short,” Johnston said.  Three smaller fires, two acres or less in size, were located in the North Lake subdivision at Lake Brownwood.  No structures were lost there.

“I just remind everybody to be safe.  With the wind blowing all week it’s going to be dry so everybody be on their guard,” Johnston added.

Also during the County Commission meeting, Johnston (shown in the photo at the podium) presented and received approval of the updated Emergency Response Plan for Brown County and the cities of Brownwood, Early, Bangs and Blanket.  The plan will now go to each city for approval.

In other business:

Commissioners heard from Mr. Russell of Rite of Passage, The Oaks Academy concerning possible approval to fix plumbing issues in the Ray West Juvenile Justice Center where a water line has caused structural damage.    Contractually the county is responsible for structural damage repair. It was recommended to Commissioners that their insurance company should be called first before proceeding.

Commissioners gave approval to Sheriff Vance Hill for employee changes in the Sheriff’s Department and approved a small $40 gift to the Sheriff’s Department from a local business.