County-wide burn ban reinstated

A county-wide burn ban has been reinstated by the Nolan County Commission, and effective immediately as the area continues to lack precipitation. The county-wide order would prohibit residents from any outdoor burning that may create a public safety hazard, including but not limited to:

• Barrel burning commonly referred to as refuse/garbage burning

• Campfires

• Charcoal grills

• Chimineas

• Cooking fires (barbeque grills and pits that are in the ground)

• Fire pits

• Fire rings

• Fireworks (except for professional commercial fireworks displays)

• Patio heaters

• Prescribed burns commonly referred to as controlled burns

• Welders or cutting torches unless the user has on hand adequate fire suppression equipment.

“Open burning” does not include:

• Fireplaces within buildings

• Gas grills

• Fire training by professionally trained and authorized personnel

Smoking (cigarette butts, cigars, etc.) is not banned; however, citizens must use ashtrays and proper disposal containers. Any individual who willfully violates a burn ban is guilty of an infraction ($500 fine; 2

nd

offense may be charged as a Class B misdemeanor-1 year and $1,000).