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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 2, 2006

Collin County to renew burn ban

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County will issue another ban on all outdoor burning in unincorporated areas beginning Monday, June 19th. Judge Ron Harris plans to sign an order on Monday that will remain in effect for 90 days or until conditions improve. Judge Harris will also sign an order to prohibit the sale, 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. The item is expected to be ratified by the Commissioners Court on June 13th.

A lack of rain and anticipated drought conditions prompted these orders.

A person commits a Class “C” Misdemeanor if they violate either 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 from the Collin County Fire Marshal's Outdoor Burning webpage at http://www.collincountytx.gov/fire_marshal/burn.jsp. Residents may check the status of outdoor burning by calling the fire marshal’s information line at 972-548-4799.

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