San Jacinto County issues burn ban

SJNT staff

COLDSPRING — County Judge Fritz Faulkner has issued a burn ban for the county.

The proclamation, issued Friday afternoon, declares that “circumstances present in the unincorporated area of the county create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.”

The order is to last 30 days unless the county removes the ban once conditions improve.

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The order includes bans on burning trash, household items or other combustible materials, such as grass, hay, sticks or wood of any kind.

The order does not prohibit outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety like firefighter training; public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; or planting or harvesting of agricultural crops; or activities conducted by a prescribed burn manager; burning related to commercial food establishments; or propane and cooking fires under safe and controlled conditions.

Additionally, the ban does not apply if a burn is conducted by personnel of a federal or state agency, or an institution of higher education on agency owned or managed properties, or for the purpose of research by federal or State agency, or institution of higher education.

Violation of this county ordinance is punishable by citation and fines of up to $500.