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(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Young County volunteer fire department units arrive to help contain a structure fire in June 2024. Due to current conditions in the state, Young County Judge Win Graham enacted a burn ban Monday, March 3.
Young County Judge Win Graham made a local disaster declaration and enacted a burn ban throughout the county at the beginning of this week.
The ban was ordered Monday, March 3 due to imminent threats of severe damage, injury or loss of life or property resulting from the threat of wildfires due to drought and dry conditions.
All outdoor burning in the county is prohibited for a period of no more than seven days from the date of the order. A violation of the order is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
Texas A&M Forest Service put out a notice Friday, Feb. 28 to prepare for wildfires as conditions continue to persist throughout the state.
“Dry conditions will persist into the weekend, continuing this week’s risk for wildfires,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “It’s important for Texans to prepare for wildfires, work to prevent them and heed warnings of local officials.”
The organization stated that 90% of wildfires are caused by people and their activities with debris burning and equipment use being the two major causes of wildfires in the state.
To prepare your family for wildfires, TAMFS suggests creating a kit with supplies, prescriptions, important papers, personal needs and priceless items as well as pet supplies. State residents should also plan an evacuation route in a vehicle or cell phone.
There are currently 103 county burn bans in place as of Monday and since Friday, Feb. 28, TAMFS responded to 38 new requests for assistance on wildfires burning 444.1 acres across the state.
