The Polk County Commissioners Court approved extending the burn ban for an additional 30 days during a special called meeting Friday.
County Judge Sydney Murphy issued a Local Declaration of Disaster and Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning on Aug. 14 due to the elevated fire weather conditions and the threat of wildfire.
The Court deemed the action necessary due to the lack of significant rainfall for an extended period of time with little promise of change in the near future. These dry conditions pose the threat of large, dangerous and fast-moving wildfires that have the potential of endangering lives and damaging property.
In other weather-related activity, the Polk County Office of Emergency Management issued a heat advisory Wednesday morning due to expected heat index values between 106 and 110 in portions of south central and southeast Texas.
The office warned that hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. Everyone is urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
Take extra precautions when outside by wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
