Jim Wells County issues burn ban, provides permit and alert guidance

The county posted a Burn Ban In Effect notice on December 15, 2025. The notice declares a burn ban is active across Jim Wells County and provides instructions for residents who require a burn permit to complete the county prescribed burn notification process.

Emergency Management Coordinator Lance Brown is listed as the contact for questions and clarifications. Residents may reach the county office at 361.227.4812 for permit inquiries or additional information about the ban. The county site also highlights the availability of its emergency notification signup, Hyper Reach, and directs the public to other public safety resources for current guidance while the burn ban remains in effect.

Local officials framed the notice as a procedural step to manage outdoor burning activity. The prescribed burn notification process is intended to allow some controlled fires to proceed under oversight when safe and approved, while maintaining an overall restriction to protect public safety. The notice encourages residents to follow posted guidelines and to check county resources before igniting any outdoor fire.

The ban has immediate implications for residents who regularly burn brush, yard debris, or agricultural residues, and for landowners planning prescribed or controlled burns. Those activities typically require either temporary suspension or formal notification and approval during a burn ban, making the permit process a critical point of contact between residents and county emergency management.

The county emphasized that up to date information is available on its website, including the prescribed burn notification link and the Hyper Reach sign up for emergency alerts. Residents are advised to use the provided phone number for specific questions about permits and to enroll in emergency notifications to receive timely updates. Compliance with the posted guidelines will determine how and when permitted burns can proceed while the ban is in effect.