Strict Outdoor Burning Prohibition Enforced in Angelina County Amid Severe Fire Threat
Following the recent declaration of disaster due to the high wildland fire hazard in Angelina County, authorities have taken stringent measures to mitigate the risk. As part of these measures, all outdoor burning of any combustible material is strictly prohibited, effective immediately.
In the wake of these critical conditions, the county’s fire department and peace officers are taking immediate action to enforce the prohibition. Upon receiving any report of outdoor burning, the nearest fire department will swiftly respond to contain and/or extinguish the fire.
Furthermore, peace officers will be dispatched as promptly as possible to investigate the nature of the fire. According to the newly issued order, if an officer believes that informing the responsible party about the prohibition can achieve compliance, they may, at their discretion, do so. Such an instance will be logged by the dispatcher, noting the time, date, place, and name of the person receiving the warning.
However, if flagrant or repeat violations of the outdoor burning prohibition occur, they will be prosecuted in accordance with the statutes and procedures governing misdemeanors, at the peace officer’s discretion. Any duly-commissioned peace officer can enforce this order, with the venue for the prosecution being the Justice of the Peace Court in Angelina County.
This order takes effect immediately, as of July 20th, 2023, according to the declaration issued by Angelina County Judge Keith Wright. The order will continue for seven days, with the possibility of extension by the Angelina County Commissioner’s Court, if the hazardous conditions persist. An exception to this rule remains for the use of fireworks as outlined in Section 418.105(i) of the Government Code.
Residents are urged to adhere to the prohibition strictly, prioritizing community safety over personal conveniences. Continued vigilance and compliance with these rules will be paramount in the county’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the ongoing drought and high fire hazard.
Houston and Polk Counties Also Impose Burn Bans Amid Rising Fire Threat
Houston County Judge Jim Lovell declared an immediate county-wide burn ban earlier this Wednesday. This ban applies to all of Houston County, including the City of Crockett, and will continue until further notice. The decision comes as a preventive measure to protect life and property from the danger of wildfires amid the current dry weather.
Similarly, Polk County has also taken action against the increasing wildfire risk. Judge Sydney Murphy issued a Local Disaster Declaration yesterday, which includes an Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning for all unincorporated areas of the County. The purpose of this order, much like those enacted in Angelina and Houston counties, is to mitigate the hazards posed by wildfires by curtailing outdoor burning.
These stringent prohibitions across several counties are part of broader efforts to prevent wildfires during this period of extremely dry conditions. Detailed information about these bans can be found in the Declaration of Disaster and Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning issued by each county.
Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant and strictly comply with these burn bans. Cooperation from the community is essential in these challenging times to ensure safety and protect valuable property from potential wildfires. Continuous updates regarding the situation will be provided, as local authorities continue to monitor weather conditions closely.
