The burn ban covers all of Denton County, including unincorporated and incorporated areas, according to Director of Community Relations Dawn Cobb.
The burn ban was prompted by the high temperatures, high winds, low humidity and dead/dormant vegetation that have contributed to the risk of wildfires, according to a news release from the Denton County Department of Emergency Services.
“The mandatory burn ban will prohibit all outdoor burning, including restrictions on outdoor hot work (welding and cutting torch operations), and the use of certain combustible materials,” according to the release.
A violation of the burn ban is considered a Class C misdemeanor, which can be punished by a fine of up to $500, according to the release.
Denton County has already experienced an increase this year in wildfires, including several that have burned multiple acres.
The burn ban will stay in effect until drought conditions are alleviated, according to the county.
Denton County is the 210th of 254 Texas counties that has a burn ban in effect. Dallas, Collin and Tarrant counties also have initiated burn bans in recent weeks.
“Prevention of potential wildland fires is essential to the safety of county residents,” Eads said in the release. “Wildfires can destroy not only lives and property but livelihood as well. With everyone’s help, we can make our communities a safer place to live and enjoy life.”
