Smith County's 90-day outdoor burn ban remains in effect despite significant rainfall across parts of the county Wednesday night. The Smith County Commissioners Court issued the "Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning" on August 18, which applies throughout the county. The ban is scheduled to continue for its full 90-day duration unless conditions improve sufficiently for the order to be terminated early by commissioners.
Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reported Thursday that the average Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County stood at 670. This figure represents a decrease from the 735 reported on Tuesday, prior to the rainfall. Hogue stated that while the rain provided some relief, it was not sufficient to ensure safe conditions for outdoor burning. The KBDI is a crucial tool used to assess forest fire potential, operating on a scale from zero to 800, where higher numbers indicate increasing drought severity. It monitors daily water balance, factoring in precipitation and soil moisture.
Since the burn ban's initiation on August 18, the county has recorded 95 outdoor burning reports. During the second week of the ban, a notable increase in incidents was observed, with 37 outdoor fire events documented, resulting in 10 citations issued. The Fire Marshal's office classifies violations of the burn ban as a Class C misdemeanor, which carries potential fines of up to $500.
The order explicitly prohibits the use of fireworks, fire pits, or any other form of outdoor burning within Smith County. However, certain activities are still permitted under specific guidelines. Residents are allowed to cook food on a grill or smoker, provided the appliance contains open flames with lids. Professional welding operations are also exempt, but welders must notify and register with the Smith County Fire Marshal's office before conducting outdoor work and must strictly adhere to the office's specified guidelines.
Furthermore, authorized outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety, which have received approval from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, are also permitted. These include firefighter training exercises, public utility operations, Texas Department of Transportation operations, natural gas pipeline or mining operations, activities related to planting or harvesting crops, and some prescribed burns.
For additional information or clarification regarding the burn ban and its allowances, residents can contact the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office directly at 903-590-2655. Information is also available online by visiting www.smith-county.com and clicking on the red banner prominently displayed at the top of the homepage.
