Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX  75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

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

Steve Deffibaugh Fire Marshal 972-548-5576 fmadmin@collincountytx.gov

October 30, 2003

Collin County issues second burn ban this year

(McKinney, TX) -- Collin County Judge Ron Harris today issued a burn ban for the unincorporated areas of the county. A previous burn ban was issued in July and lifted in September.

Collin County Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh says the burn ban is necessary because the county is currently in a high fire danger. According to the Keetch Bryam Drought Index (KBDI), the county is at 556. A level of 600 or more puts the county in an extreme fire danger.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Collin County.

"Humidity has dropped to 25%. This combined with winds can create a powerful combination for wildfires," says Deffibaugh.

A burn ban will remain in effect for 90 days unless it is deemed necessary to lift or extend it.

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