By Kevin Jefferies
Hunt County – Despite a little rain in the area, conditions are still ripe for fire across northeast Texas. The Hunt County Commissioners Court extended a burn ban for any outdoor activity that may cause fire, including barbecuing, welding, or trash fires.
Bans of the same type have been extended for every county in the area. In Lamar County, provisions have been made for businesses that rely on barbecuing or welding, but in most other areas, any type of outdoor activity that could cause a fire has been banned and is being strictly enforced. Violation of the ban is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500 for each offense.
Many of the recent wildfires have been caused by something as simple as a carelessly tossed cigarette. Tarrant County officials have announced plans to look for and chase down motorists tossing cigarette butts out the window.
Texas is a powder keg with continuing dry conditions, low humidity, and high winds. Even with last night's slight rain, conditions persist for fire to start and spread quickly.