Outdoor burning is allowed again in unincorporated Grayson County. The county's burn ban was lifted Friday, Oct. 2, KXII reported, after rain followed a hot and dry summer. The Commissioners Court order had been set to run through Sept. 30 for the county's unincorporated areas, according to a notice the City of Gunter posted when the ban took effect.
Lifting the ban does not open burning inside Sherman. The city's Fire Marshal's Office states there is no unauthorized open burning within city limits, and it takes applications for open burning permits. The county's own rules say burning under its regulations applies only in unincorporated areas.
Fire officials urge patience
Collinsville Fire Chief Damon Stewart told KXII the recent rain has not removed the danger. He said only green grass soaks up the moisture, while dead brown grass dries out again soon after the rain stops.
"If we get a runaway grass fire without being able to make access due to the mud, then slowing that thing down is going to be a problem," Stewart said. He said fall, with dead grass and muddy fields, is a poor season for burning even though it may feel like an ideal one.
What the county requires
The Grayson County Fire Marshal's Office lists these requirements for anyone burning in the unincorporated county:
- On burn day, phone the county's 24-hour Communications Center (903-813-4411) to register the address and confirm that burning is permitted.
- Burn only between one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, with the responsible person on site the whole time. That person remains liable for any damage.
- Burn only brush, limbs, grass clippings, leaves or kitchen trash generated on the property. Hauled-in material, construction debris, furniture, heavy oils and chemicals are not allowed.
- Do not burn when wind speeds or gusts reach, or are forecast to reach, 23 mph. Stewart advised skipping a burn when winds exceed 15 mph.
- Keep smoke away from neighboring homes and roads, and have water or other equipment ready to put the fire out.
