Published: June 29, 2009 09:17 pm      

OC burn ban still in place

During a meeting Monday commissioners decided to keep the burn ban in Orange County.

Frankie Walters, of Orange County Emergency Management, informed commissioners of the need to keep the burn ban at this time stating “there is not any rain predicted in the near future.” Walters added local fire departments have quickly responded to grass fires when called.

One fire at a local blueberry farm near Highway 12 was extinguished before the owner lost a lot of their crop, but not before some acreage was damaged.

Commissioners initially enacted the burn ban June 22 and declared a local state of emergency because of the fire hazards in Orange County.

County officials will immediately began placing red flags at various locations indicating the burn ban is in place. These locations include the Orange County Courthouse, Vidor Sub Courthouse, Health and Code Compliance Office, Claiborne Park, and Orange County Emergency Service Districts No.1 and 2.

The flags will be displayed during the entirety of the burn ban to aid residents as to the status of the ban. Information can also be obtained on the county website at www.co.orange.tx.us and following the Emergency Management link.

County Judge Carl Thibodeaux told Walters to order additional flags to be placed at other locations as well.

Commissioners voted to go out for bids to fill the spot left by Burt Hardwick upon his retirement. Hardwick operated the small snack stand on the first floor near the stairs in the Orange County courthouse for more than 30 years. He was forced to retire because of health reasons.

Thibodeaux said he has had inquiries about leasing the space, but nothing definite has panned out so far.

Commissioners voted to take no action on waiving the permit fees for the FEMA manufactured homes which could be offered to the citizens for purchase. Lisa Roberts, of the CFM Flood Plain Administration, said the homes could be sold at fair market value. She also said there have only been inquiries and that she was not sure if they will actually be sold.

Thibodeaux said that some who may buy the homes may face other problems, especially if they are in Zone A, because they will not be allowed to stay because of elevation standards. In addition, the home will be required to meet the building codes within the city where it is located.

In other county business, Thibodeaux signed award documents to accept the Radio Interoperability Grant in the amount of $67,026. Officials were pleased with the amount received because they said the usual amount is about $16,000. The funds are through the justice department for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2603 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.