Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2005

Collin County issues an outdoor burning ban; restricts fireworks use

UPDATE: As of Saturday, September 24th, the outdoor burning ban has been extended for another 90 days.

(McKinney, TX) -- Collin County has issued a ban on all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas. Judge Ron Harris signed an order that will take effect on June 24th and will remain in effect for 90 days or until conditions improve. Judge Harris also signed an order to prohibit the sell, detonation, ignition or any use of fireworks classified under 49 C.F.R. part 173.100 r (2) (10-01-1085 edition) as “skyrockets with sticks” and “missiles with fins” in any portion of unincorporated areas of Collin County.

A person commits a Class “C” Misdemeanor if they violate either order.

A lack of rain and anticipated drought conditions prompted this order.

The burn ban does not prohibit outdoor burning for firefighter training, mining or utility operations, crop rotation or prescribed burn under the control of a person certified and licensed by the state to perform such a burn.

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 vegetation natural to the property with a permit. Applications for burn permits can be obtained at the Collin County website, www.collincountytx.gov. Residents may check the status of outdoor burning by calling the fire marshal’s information line at 972-548-4799.

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