By Scott Harvey
Hunt County – The Hunt County Commissioners Court has agreed to implement a county-wide burn ban effective Tuesday.
The news come as several area counties continue to battle drought conditions, despite the small amount of rain received the last few days.
According to Hunt County Fire Marshall Richard Hill, even with a half inch or so of rain, 100 plus degree temperatures will force the moisture to dissipate very quickly. He says at least two inches of rain would be needed to make any difference.
The ban will prohibit such actions like burning wood products, leaves and/or trash in all unincorporated areas of the county. Outdoor welding, however, will not be prohibited to allow for any construction taking place within the county to continue.
State law permanently restricts anyone from burning trash or any such products within any incorporated city.
The Fannin County Commissioners Court also yesterday enacted a 14-day burn ban. Fannin County Judge Butch Henderson says due to recent rain and the potential for more in the near future, the court will address possibly lifting the ban at its next meeting on August 25.
Both Hunt and Fannin Counties join Delta, Lamar, Collin and Rockwall counties as area counties now imposing bans on outdoor burning. 141 of the 254 Texas counties are currently under burn bans.