County Disaster Declaration Extended For 30 Days

The Kaufman County Commissioners’ Court has extended the disaster declaration for 30 days, until August 25, that was put in place by County Judge Hal Richards on July 18, 2022. See declaration HERE: See Executive Orders HERE:

A series recent wildfires prompted the declaration including two almost 500-acre large-scale wildfires. Fortunately, there was only one heat-related injury and no deaths or damaged structures.

With the forecasts predictions of hot, dry weather, the extension of the declaration is vital to fire prevention for the next few weeks.

Dozens of volunteer firefighters from nine volunteer fire departments along with assistance from air resources battled a wildfire engulfing what was thought to be more than 500 acres of grassland. The fire, labeled the King’s Creek Fire located along County Road 4061, began at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 17 and initially was estimated to be five acres but quickly grew to more than 508 acres.  

Air support resources assisted in the battle with the fire and firefighters remained on the scene from the volunteer departments from Terrell, Kemp, Mabank, Crandall, Kaufman, Rosser and Kaufman County Precinct 4 until all embers were out.

The County’s Emergency Management Plan has been implemented and the Executive Order states that this proclamation takes effect immediately from and after its issuance.

• The use of Fireworks in any form shall be prohibited and subject to the penalty under violation of the Kaufman County Emergency Operations Plan which is $1,000. and/or 180 days in jail.
• A fire extinguisher be readily available within reach and use when doing hot work such as welding, utilizing any farm equipment that could potentially cause a spark or cause a fire to occur.
• All must adhere to all evacuation orders issued by the County Emergency Management Coordinator, or the County Fire Marshal as per Section 418 of the Texas Government Code.
• This state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from July 18, 2022, unless it is continued by consent of the Commissioners Court of the County of Kaufman, Texas.

To see the Executive Order CLICK HERE.