LIST: East Texas counties under burn barn

MORRIS COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – With hot and dry weather persisting, multiple counties are issuing burn bans.

HENDERSON COUNTY

Henderson County issued a 14-day burn ban beginning Aug. 20 at the request of Fire Marshal Shane Renberg.

Renberg told the Henderson County Commissioners Court that there have been about 20 notable grass fires in the past two weeks that required multiple fire departments to help extinguish.

County officials said anyone caught ignoring the burn ban, a Class C misdemeanor, can be punished by a fine up to $500.

MORRIS COUNTY

According to the burn barn order, Morris County Judge Doug Reeder said on Tuesday circumstances create a public safety hazard “that would be exacerbated by burning.” The burn ban includes all outdoor fires, including fires in a contained or semi-enclosure, but does not include grills, barbecues or smokers which are used to cook and are fully covered. Open grills, barbecues or smokers are prohibited.

Those who break the burn ban could pay a fine of up to $500. The burn ban is in effect for seven days from Tuesday unless it is renewed by the county commissioner’s court.

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