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(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Members of the Murray Volunteer Fire Department control a fire on FM 3109 which broke out July 30, 2023 in Young County and threatened structures.
The Young County Commissioners Court voted Monday to enact a burn ban that will run through April unless terminated earlier by the court.
The ban is following a local disaster declaration from Young County Judge Win Graham which Friday, Jan. 9 enacted a seven-day burn ban throughout the county.
The court ordered the ban Monday, Jan. 10 due to the public safety hazard that could be present if burning was allowed. All outdoor burning in the county is prohibited from the date of the order.
A violation of the order is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
This order does not prohibit outdoor burning related to public health and safety authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for firefighter training, public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations.
Additionally, the order does not prohibit authorized commercial or professional welding operations.
Texas A&M Forest Service has the current wildfire preparedness level at Level 2 with elevated fire danger observed in some regions of the state.
TAMFS 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.
