HARDIN COUNTY, Texas — A burn ban has been ordered for Hardin County according to Judge Wayne McDaniel.
In a press release McDaniel issued a declaration of disaster and order restricting outdoor burning for unincorporated Hardin County Tuesday, effective immediately.
According to the press release, the decision came based on the current drought conditions which are forecasted to get even worse in coming days, as winds increase and relative humidity decreases. The lack of rain is also projected to continue for at least one more week.
"My top priority is the safety of the public as well as the safety of all First Responders. I ask that everyone please observe this order to ensure a reduction in the risk of wildfires as we continue to experience drought and other conditions which are conducive to fires that could spread quickly, destroy property and cause loss of life," said McDaniel.
The burn ban will be effective for the next seven days unless it is extended by the commissioners court according to the press release.
Hardin County joins the growing list of counties issuing bans in hopes of avoiding wildfires. This includes Jefferson, Orange, and Newton counties.
It is illegal to leave any fire unattended in the state of Texas.
In Texas, local governments are empowered to act on the behalf of those they serve according to the Texas Forest Service.
When drought conditions exist, a burn ban can be put in place by a county judge or county commissioners court prohibiting or restricting outdoor burning for public safety.
The decision to institute a burn ban is solely up to the discretion of the county judge or county commissioners court of each of the 254 counties in Texas.
The Texas A&M Forest Service works to help people understand the "why" behind a burn ban.
“When we respond to a wild-fire it's often to debris burning, and they will say, ‘I didn't know there was a burn ban,’” explains Texas A&M Forest Service public information officer, Ryan Burns.
“A part of our mission is to raise awareness for that, then have folks be aware of the weather we have been having,” Burns adds.
Violating a county burn ban is a class C misdemeanor. Anyone violating a burn ban, if convicted, could face a fine and community service according to section 352.081, subsection G, of the Texas Local Government Code.
Those who get caught burning during a burn ban could be fined up to $500.
Section 352.081 of the Texas Local Government Code allows county commissioner courts to prohibit or restrict outdoor burning in all or part of the unincorporated areas of a county if the Texas Forest Service determines that drought conditions exist in a county or if the commissioner’s court finds that circumstances are present in all the unincorporated areas of the county to create a public safety hazard that could be exacerbated by outdoor burning.
County burn bans generally do not apply to outdoor burning activities related to…
Firefighter training
Public utility, natural gas pipeline, or mining operations
Planting or harvesting of agriculture crops
Burning conducted by a certified and insured prescribed certified “burn manager”
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
