County burn ban still ongoing

Multiple counties in Texas have been put under a burn ban for seven days including Cass County. Judge Travis Ransom signed the Cass County Commissioner’s Court order Mar. 20. The ban prohibits outdoor burning in unincorporated areas. This includes fires contained in an enclosure like barrels. Not included are grills, barbeques or smokers which can be used if covered and fully attended.

Violations of the burn ban will result as a Class C misdemeanor and be punishable with a fine up to $500.

The past week or so strong winds have pushed across much of the county and state itself. A 50-acre fire was contained in Queen City last week and more than 500 acres burned in neighboring Marion County. The Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 87 fires across Texas since Mar. 14.

To see bans across the state visit the Texas A&M Forest Service website at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/texasburnbans/.