County back under burn ban

V. Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute

Smokey the Bear turned 81 on August 9, and the furry reminder to be careful with outdoor burning got a birthday present from Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur in the form of a burn ban for the County.

As present circumstances “create a public hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning,” the Judge orders “that all outdoor burning is prohibited in the county,” Judge LaFleur’s order reads. 

The order does allow outdoor cooking with charcoal grils, as long as they are above ground and/or enclosed. However, fire rings, ground fires, and any open grills at ground level are not allowed.

Violating the order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.

The order went into effect August 12, and continues until it is terminated either by the determiniation of the Texas Forestry Service, or the Commissioners Court.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also issues a proclamation declaring a number of Texas counties in a “state of disaster” based on the threat of “increased fire weather conditions that began on August 10, and poses an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of life or property.”

Abbott’s proclamation allows for the use of available resources in state or local government necessary to cope with this disaster.

Marion County Commissioners will consider whether to continue or lift the burn ban at their subsequent regular meetings, the next of which is 9a August 25 in the Commissioners Courtroom.