Kerr County judge implements burn ban, no dig order related to the eclipse

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly has implemented a limited burn ban and no dig order related to the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.  The burn ban will become effective at 12 a.m. on April 5 and continue until noon on Wednesday, April 10.  The ban prohibits any open-air flames, sparks or embers.  The no dig order requires all public and private entities to suspend any underground operations between 12 a.m. on April 1 through noon on Wednesday, April 10.

Kerr County is in the direct line of the total eclipse that will traverse North America.  Being in the “path of totality” means that the area is expected to see its normal 53,000 population swell to double, if not triple, in size throughout the days leading up to and including the day of the event.

Kerr County officials say that the resulting traffic congestion, plus the strain on first responders, local medical providers, food and fuel supplies and infrastructure could pose a threat to the safety of residents.  That, and the hope of qualifying for state resources, is what instigated the initial disaster declaration.  Having the declaration in place authorizes the county to take any actions necessary to promote life safety and critical infrastructure protection.  That includes this burn ban and no dig measure signed into effect by Judge Kelly, with the full support of the county Commissioners’ court.