PARIS - A Lamar County resident, alleged to have violated the county's burn ban, is charged with felony criminal mischief for a fire that burned hundreds of acres.
Kenneth Shadid was reportedly burning trash in an unattended barrel at a home near Pattonville on August 1 when it got out of control and burned more than 500 acres, causing more than $22,000 in damages. The fire was brought under control by nine volunteer fire departments.
Reports indicate Shadid had been warned to stop burning on two prior occasions.
The entire region remains under a burn ban as Texas continues to struggle with drought.