County Burn Ban Extended 90 Days
Angelina County Commissioners have voted to extend the county-wide ban on outdoor burning for 90 days. This means burning anything outdoors is illegal, and violators will be prosecuted.
90 days is the maximum length of time a burn ban can be enforced, but it can be extended if conditions warrant, according to Angelina County Judge Wes Suiter.
The National Weather Service says - in March - the Lufkin area had less than a quarter inch of rain, nearly an inch and a half less than what is normal for this time of year.
Officials say we're in the fourth worst drought in the state's history, and it shows no sign of relenting. It's reported that this year's wildfires have burned more than a million acres of prairie, grasslands and forests. More than 200 counties are under enforceable bans on outdoor burning.
While the burn ban is in effect, residents are prohibited from any outdoor burning of trash, brush, trees, storm debris and construction materials. Open campfires are prohibited, and smokers are discouraged from throwing burning cigarettes from their cars.
To report burning while the ban is in effect, call the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office at 634-3332 or your local fire department. Anyone caught burning anything while the ban is in effect can be fined up to $500.
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