The Kaufman County Commissioners’ Court issued a burn ban on Tuesday, August 1 as North Texas dives deeper into drought.
Fire Marshal Paul Ayres told the court that as the severe drought conditions facing Kaufman County worsen, there is a need to implement a burn ban. The burn ban which will remain in effect until October 30th, or until drought conditions improve, carries with it a violation of a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
A burn ban prohibits fires used for recreation, ceremony, disposal, and land clearing but does not apply to:
•Fires that are used for cooking (grills & smokers)
•Firefighter training
•Fires related to public health and safety if authorized by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
•Fires related to public utility, natural gas pipeline, or mining operations
•Fires related to planting or harvesting of agricultural crops
•Burns that are performed by a prescribed burn manager if it meets the standards set forth by the Natural Resources Code
It is always illegal to burn treated/painted wood; furniture; carpet; electrical wire insulation; plastics; appliances; building/ construction materials; tires; heavy oils; asphaltic materials; potentially explosive materials; chemical wastes; household trash on the open ground; and any material that originates from outside the property where the burn is taking place. These materials must be taken to an approved solid waste disposal site.
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