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Lamar County Extends Burn Ban Into 2018

WikiCommons
WikiCommons
Bonfires will not be allowed in Lamar County for the rest of this year.

Officials in Lamar County say multiple wildfires have led them to extend the county’s burn ban for another month. On Tuesday the County Commissioner’s Court extended the ban until January 10.

The Commissioner's Court also doubled the possible penalty. Anyone caught burning brush or leaves could face a $1000 fine.

Lingering dry, windy conditions and unseasonable warm temperatures aren’t going anywhere in Northeast Texas. Even with cooler weather in the 50s, low humidity and lack of rainfall over the past two months has put all of Northeast Texas in a state of moderate to severe drought. The Texas Water Development Board saysdrought growth has slowed, but as of Monday, 37 percent of the state is under drought conditions.

Scott Morgan has been an award-winning journalist since 2001. His work has appeared in several newspapers and magazines as well as online. He has also been an editor, freelancer, speaker, writing teacher, author, and podcaster.