With hot, dry weather anticipated for the coming weeks, the Taylor Fire Department gave the International Barbecue Cook-off an updated fire prevention plan.
The cook-off is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19 at Murphy Park.
The fire prevention plan, which was developed in cooperation with event organizers, includes additional expectations for set up, check out and extraneous scenarios.
For setting up, parking will now only be allowed on the park side of Sycamore Street between the entrance on Twelfth Street and the entrance to Memorial Field Stadium parking lot for emergency vehicle access.
Additionally, all cooking pits will be 30 feet from any residence, generators will be on top of concrete pavement stones and a barrier will be set up between Murphy Park at Twelfth Street.
Check- out expectations include a single exit point, requirements for shovels for fuel debris removal and strict check- out procedures that include an examination of fire pits to ensure that all fire hazards have been eliminated.
There is a possibility of cancellation if winds get too excessive.
“It’s going to be a very hot, dry weekend in Taylor, and so we want to take every precaution to try to mitigate the risk of fire at this event,” Taylor Fire Chief Daniel Baum said. “We appreciate the event organizers’ willingness to work with us to ensure that participants stay safe and enjoy the event.”
The event itself begins Friday, Aug. 18 with a judged grilled cheese contest and a judged margarita contest.
Saturday’s event includes beans, chicken, ribs, brisket and a cook’s choice. Judging signups are posted on the Cook-off’s website.
The event is free and open to the public.
Taylor Main Street Manager Jan Harris judges brisket at last year’s Taylor International Barbecue Cookoff in Taylor.
File photo
