WOODVILLE – During its Monday morning meeting, the Tyler County Commissioners Court ratified a countywide burn ban.
The order to restrict outdoor burning and disaster declaration, issued by County Judge Milton Powers on Feb. 25, cited the imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property potentially resulting from countywide drought conditions.
The order is in effect until rescinded by the county.
Dry conditions and brisk winds have been to blame for a statewide increase in wildfires. According to information from the Texas A&M Forest Service, a forecast of rain on the horizon should lessen that risk.
Burn bans are currently in place in 184 out of the state’s 254 counties.
A wildfire in neighboring Angelina County that started last week is, at press time, mostly under control.
The Cypress Creek Fire, which affected more than 6,754 acres in the Angelina National Forest, between Zavalla and Jasper, was 60% contained as of Tuesday, with firefighters still putting out the remainders of the fire and hotspots.
Settlocker steps down as emergency management coordinator
The commissioners accepted the resignation of the county’s emergency management coordinator John Settlocker on Monday.
Settlocker read aloud a letter in which he made his announcement. He said that through the past two years in his position, he has enjoyed serving the county and working alongside county officials. The reason he gave for stepping down is due to “ongoing health and family matters,” and called the decision a difficult one.
He said he will return to work with the Forest Service, and will work in the Woodville District of service. “Although I am transitioning positions, I will still be in the area and look forward to staying connected,” he said.
Judge Powers thanked him for his service and for leading the county’s emergency response through several disasters, and following those remarks, those in attendance applauded Settlocker.
