Burn bans enacted

Both the San Jacinto County Commissioners Court and the Shepherd City Council have enacted burn bans in their respective domains.

Both orders say that leaders have determined that the circumstances present in all or part of the Incorporated areas create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.

The band states that all outdoor burning is prohibited for not more than 7 days unless the ban is continued. The order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commissioner or Environmental Quality, including:

• Firefighter training
• Public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations
• Planting or harvesting agricultural crops
• Burns that conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Section 153.048, Natural Resources Code and meet the standards of Section 153.047, Natural Resources Code
• related to commercial food establishments
• propane and cooking fires under safe and controlled conditions

If someone commits an offense knowingly or intentionally violates the restriction, they can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by fines of up to $500.

Water issue

Also, the City of Shepherd issued a boil water notice on Saturday after contractors broke a water main. The damage has been repaired, and on Monday, the city was given the go-ahead to rescind the notice.