Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 540
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby
Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@co.collin.tx.us

September 13, 2003

Collin County lifts burn ban

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County’s burn ban was lifted on Friday. According to Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh, the much-needed rain dropped the Keetch Bryam Drought Index (KBDI) to 417. It is below the required 500 KBDI recommended by the Texas Forest Service for a burn ban to be issued. At certain times in July and August, the index reached to more than 700 KBDI, which means the county’s fire danger was extremely high.

Collin County Judge Ron Harris issued the burn ban on July 14th, 2003, upon the recommendation of the fire marshal. Burn bans are usually in effect for 90 days, unless the fire marshal recommends a lifting or an extension.

When a burn ban is not in effect, a burn permit is required to do any outdoor burning in Collin County. The basic law is that no one can burn normal household garbage and can only burn natural vegetation to the property with a permit. Applications for burn permits can be obtained from the Collin County Fire Marshal website at http://www.collincountytx.gov/fire_marshal/burn.jsp.

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