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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2005

Collin County encourages caution and cooperation to prevent outdoor fires

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County is at a high risk for wild fires, and residents are asked to protect their neighborhoods and communities by using caution when planning fall festivals or Halloween activities.

The Keetch-Bryam Drought Index for Collin County is the second highest in the state. The KBDI measures drought conditions and serves as an indicator for potential fires. The current index is 759. But, Collin County has been in a drought since June 22nd when the index went above 500.

“Cooler temperatures have arrived and many people mistakenly believe that also relieves us from the outdoor burn ban, but it is just the opposite,” says Collin County Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh. “Early morning frosts tend to kill vegetation, therefore increasing the fuel load. When you couple that with low humidity in the afternoon, along with some wind, a dangerous fire situation develops.”

Collin County officials are also concerned about upcoming Halloween festivities and other fall outdoor events.

“Some folks may want to provide bon fires as part of their fall festivals,” says Collin County Judge Ron Harris. “But, Collin County is not issuing burn permits for these fires. This includes camp fires and any type of ground fire. The risk of a fire burning out of control is just too high. Residents need to remember that an outdoor fire can easily burn out of control resulting in loss of property and even loss of life.”

The patio fireplaces that are on the market and other type of portable devices that will keep the fire from being on the ground are permissible.

“Any law enforcement official in Collin County can issue a citation,” says Collin County Sheriff Terry Box. “At minimum, it is a Class C Misdemeanor to start an outdoor fire when a burn ban is in effect.”

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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