The Ellis County Press: Just don’t start a fire with it – burn ban’s on

Just don’t start a fire with it – burn ban’s on
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Editor on 08/23/2001 00:00:00


JIM WILLIAMS
Staff Writer
WAXAHACHIE - Despite the recent burn ban enacted by the Ellis County
Commissioners, residents living in areas where burning trash is normally
permitted can still burn refuse if done inside a container with a screen cover
to maintain flames and sparks.
Commissioners unanimously approved the burn ban during their last regular
meeting Aug. 13 after the Texas Forest Service determined drought conditions
existed in all of Ellis County.
The order went into effect immediately.
'A person violates this order if he knowingly or intentionally
burns any combustible material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain
all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning by others,' the written order
stated. First-time violators will receive a warning. Thereafter, violators can
be prosecuted on a Class C misdemeanor. The order does not apply to firefighter
training; public utility, natural gas or mining operations; and planting or
harvesting of agricultural crops. The burn ban will be effective for 90 days
unless sooner expired by a determination made by the Texas Forest Service
determining drought conditions no longer exist in all of Ellis County.