Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hood County is under a burn ban after the county judge, Ron Massingill, authorized a seven-day emergency order Tuesday in response to worsening drought conditions. Another order is expected to be signed next Tuesday.
Drought readings show why officials are concerned. Hood County’s Keetch-Byram Drought Index, or KBDI, is listed at 607, with a minimum of 530 and a maximum of 651. According to Texas A&M Forest Service, readings between 400 and 600 indicate that lower litter and duff layers can burn actively and wildfire intensity begins to increase significantly. Readings between 600 and 800 are often associated with more severe drought and increased wildfire occurrence.
The KBDI measures forest fire potential and soil moisture depletion on a scale from 0 to 800. The higher the number, the drier the conditions.
Texas A&M Forest Service uses the index to track drought conditions statewide by combining rainfall and temperature data to estimate wildfire risk.
