During a special called meeting Friday, the Polk County Commissioners Court rescinded the burn ban that went into effect Oct. 7 and also terminated the disaster declaration issued at that same time.
Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy signed the local declaration of disaster that included an order prohibiting outdoor burning for the unincorporated areas of the county due to the elevated fire weather conditions and the threat of wildfire.
Current conditions have been reviewed by the Polk County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Polk County Fire Marshall, in conjunction with the Texas Forest Service, and all agreed that ending the burn ban is appropriate at this time.
However, both the Court and the OEM urge everyone to use caution in proceeding with outdoor burning and be mindful that conditions currently present may change quickly.
Additionally, the OEM suggests that anyone considering the outdoor burning of a sizable amount of debris first contact the volunteer fire department in their area to receive the department’s recommendations and assistance.
