TYLER COUNTY – During a special-called meeting on Monday morning, the Tyler County Commissioners Court ratified a burn ban and disaster declaration that was issued last week, on Monday, March 23.
The countywide ban on outdoor burning cites the threat of wildfire and a potential loss of property or life due to the ongoing drought conditions. It is in effect until rescinded by the county.
Pct. 1 Commissioner Joe Blacksher motioned to ratify the order, with the provision that the coming Dogwood Festival Queen’s Weekend festivities can include a professional pyrotechnic display, as long as it is conducted by a state-licensed pyrotechnic operator and performed under the direct supervision of the county’s fire marshal.
Also included in the provision, the county’s fire marshal, Justin Dilbeck, has authority to postpone, cancel or terminate the display if at any time the wind speeds, humidity levels or any environmental factor create a threat to public safety.
The ongoing drought conditions have had the county under an on/off burn ban since late February. It was briefly lifted March 12 before Judge Milton Powers issued the most recent one last week.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, 160 out of the 254 counties in the state are under burn bans, as of Tuesday. Both neighboring Jasper and Newton counties are also under burn bans.
The order prohibits the burning of all trash, brush, trees, storm debris, construction material debris or open campfires until it is lifted and is enforceable by fines of up to $500.
