Public Information Office 2300 Bloomdale Rd. Suite 4192 McKinney, Texas 75071 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30, 2012

Contact: Interim Fire Marshal Jason Browning, 972-548-5576
 

Collin County puts outdoor burn ban into effect

(McKINNEY, Texas) – Officials here announced an outdoor burn ban for Collin County today, due to a climbing drought index and low humidity that have created a high risk for grass fires in North Texas. Due to dry conditions, state and local fire officials are cautioning residents that all outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas of Collin County until further notice.

Today’s Prohibited Burning Order, signed by County Judge Keith Self, is expected the be confirmed by the full Commissioners Court when it next meets on Aug. 6, and prohibits outdoor and open burning for the next 90 days or until the Court or the Texas Forest Service rescinds the ban.

Interim Fire Marshal Jason Browning said that local fire departments in Collin County have fought more than 28 grassfires in the last two weeks.

“The high temperatures and lack of precipitation have created conditions which will readily sustain rapid fire development,” Browning said. “In addition to outdoor burning residents should use extra caution when engaging in activities which could be potential ignition sources such as properly discarding cigarettes or securing chains on trailers to prevent them from striking the ground before driving.”

Residents living within a city limits should contact municipal officials or fire departments for specific information or restrictions regarding burning within those boundaries.

State and local fire officials also ask residents to report all outdoor fires immediately by calling 911.

###