Officials remind Smith County residents of ongoing burn ban, consequences for breaking the law


Officials remind Smith County residents of ongoing burn ban, consequences for breaking the law

SMITH COUNTY, Texas — With the continued hot and dry weather, Smith County is still under a burn ban until further notice. During a burn ban, certain activities are prohibited such as burning of trash and brush. However, welding and grilling are still permitted.

Smith County Fire Marshall Jay Brooks says the burn ban is still in effect until Smith County gets multiple inches of rainfall.

“With the exception of the very eastern-most portion of Smith County, we just haven’t received any significant rainfall,” Brooks said.

Brooks says this ban is only enacted when officials have made an informed decision.

“We only do this when it’s absolutely necessary. The Commissioner’s Court values the citizens’ rights and so we really weigh these things out pretty heavily,” Brooks said. “So when we do put a burn ban on obviously, it is to protect the public at large.”

A violation of a burn ban can result in a fine or possibly jail time for repeated offenses.

“Violation of a burn ban order is a Class C misdemeanor. So basically it’s a citation. It’s punishable by fine up to $500,” Brooks said. “If you have already received a citation, we can take someone to jail for violating multiple occasions.”

During a burn ban, welding is allowed with a permit and excluding certain conditions.

“We don’t shut down welding completely, except when the winds are over 15 mph and relative humidity is under 30%,” Brooks said.

Grilling is permitted as well, as long as the fire is contained.

“An open barbecue pit that has just a grate is not acceptable,” Brooks said.

Should someone start a fire that burns out of control, the consequences are severe.

“If that fire is intentionally lit, and you’re reckless, in that you allow it to burn, say someone’s house down, there’s actually a statute in the law that makes that an arson, which is a third degree felony,” Brooks said.

For welding permits, visit the county website https://www.smith-county.com/ or call the Smith County Fire Marshall’s office at (903) 590-2655.




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