Newton County Officials Urge Residents to Avoid Burning

Statement from Newton Fire Department:

City of Newton Fire Department Burn Safety Reminder.

We’re all in this together to keep our community safe and prevent wildfires. With the KBDI rising, fire danger is higher in many parts of the county.

We know the South End usually gets more rain and stays wetter, so the wildfire risk there is lower than in the drier North End. It’s a good idea to check the KBDI for your area before you burn.

If you’re planning to burn big piles of wood or debris, please try to let the Sheriff’s Office know when and where you’ll be burning. It helps everyone stay informed and it helps us tremendously when we have to respond.

Make sure your fire is inside a cleared plow line and away from the woods. And please don’t leave it unattended — fires can spread fast and cause serious damage.

If you’re not sure how the KBDI works or have questions about burning safely, give your local fire department a call or message us here on Facebook. We’re happy to help.

Remember, if your fire gets out and damages someone else’s property, you could be held financially responsible.

Thanks for helping keep our county safe!

Newton County Emergency Management statement:

County: Newton

Date 08-12-2025

KBDI Mean 541.60

KBDI Max 659

KBDI Min 400

What Does a KBDI Over 500 Mean?

The Keetch‑Byram Drought Index (KBDI) ranges from 0 to 800, quantifying how much net rainfall (in hundredths of an inch) is needed to fully saturate the upper soil and duff layers

In practical terms:

0–200: Low fire risk; soil and fuels are moist.

200–400: Moderate risk; leaf litter begins to dry.

400–600: High fire potential; lower ground litter is dry and can actively contribute to fire intensity.

600–800: Extreme drought; fuels are tinder‑dry, and fire behavior can be severe.

So, a KBDI above 500 indicates that 5 inches (or more) of rain would be needed to return soils to saturation. This marks a stage of high to very high wildfire risk, with increased ignition probability and rapid fire spread.

What this means for you:

Avoid all outdoor burning—even small, well-contained fires can escape rapidly.

Report unattended or out-of-control fires immediately by calling 911 and use extreme caution and even delay outdoor burning when possible.

Stay alert—dry conditions now set the stage for extreme fire behavior in the near future.

Let's work together to keep our community safe. Stay tuned for updates — and stay fire smart!