Denton County Judge Mary Horn instituted a countywide burn ban Friday effective until further notice due to dry and windy weather conditions and the increased potential for uncontrolled wildfires.
In the Executive Order, Horn stated that the county has experienced a significant increase of wildfires over the last three days and the drought index is dramatically increasing daily, with portions of the county reaching high drought conditions.
The mandatory burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning, includes restrictions on outdoor welding and cutting torch operations, and the use of combustible materials.
Violation of the court ordered burn-ban is a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
Charcoal or gas patio grills and smokers are allowed provided they have a fully-enclosed lid that is utilized at all times and that at least five feet around the area is clear of vegetation and combustibles.
Texas Statute limits the county’s authority to ban the use or sale of retail fireworks until an average drought index of 575 is reached, which may come by early next week, according to Jody Gonzalez, Denton County emergency services coordinator.
For more information regarding the ban, contact the Denton County Department of Emergency Services at 940-349-2840.
 GIF.gif)
