Burn Ban in effect!

On Nov. 15, 2021, the Texas County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed that extreme fire danger existed in Texas County. In their burn ban resolution, it states, “It is unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop or other wildlands, or to build a campfire or bonfire, or to burn trash or other material that may cause a forest, grass, range, crop, or other wildlands.”

Exceptions and the appropriate precautionary measure to be taken as follows: For equipment related to road construction projects, equipment that uses propane or other controlledtype burners is generally regarded as safe, however; it would be prudent to have a water pumper standby anytime this equipment is used near a grassy area. Welding/cutting torch/grinding activities: when conducted over a non-combustible surface of at least 10 feet by 10 feet and when welding blankets or screens are used to cover flammable vegetation, wind speeds must be less than 20 mph, and a fire watch, other than the welder, is posted at the welding/cutting torch site with pressurized water or fire extinguisher. Campfires and outdoor cooking: outdoor campfires or bonfires are prohibited, LPG and natural gas grills and charcoal-fired cooking outside in a grilling receptacle are permitted provided that the activity is conducted over a non-flammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.

This resolution from the Texas County Board of County Commissioners, states, “Enforcement of this resolution may be carried out by any law enforcement officer of this State. Any person convicted of violating this resolution shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00), to imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

This resolution will be effective for 14 days, which started on Nov. 15, 2021, but if extreme fire danger conditions persist, subsequent resolutions may be passed.