TYLER COUNTY – Citing a risk of imminent threat of widespread or severe damage from drought conditions, Tyler County Judge Milton Powers signed off on an order last Thursday that placed the county under a burn ban.
Powers said that the order, a declaration of disaster and order restricting outdoor burning, was enacted due to dry conditions and low humidities. He said the county is not expecting enough significant rainfall within the next seven to 10 days that would, conceivably, cause the overall conditions to change.
The entire Deep East Texas region is at an elevated risk for wildfires. Officials in areas affected by drought conditions, and not currently under a burn ban, are advising residents to contain fires as much as possible.
Other counties that have also established burn bans within the past several days include Polk; Angelina; Cherokee; Trinity and Panola counties.
The countywide order for Tyler County makes exception for controlled burning by local government entities, provided they have proper fire equipment and gear, including the burning of storm-related debris.
The burn ban is good for seven days from its declaration date, unless renewed by the Tyler County Commissioners Court. Violators can be cited with a Class C misdemeanor offense, and fined up to $500.
